The Utrecht Dominators opened their Dutch Eredivisie campaign with a hard-fought 10–7 victory over the newly-promoted Arnhem Falcons in a low-scoring defensive struggle that came down to the final minutes.
Defense dominates early
Both offenses sputtered in the first half, with penalties and missed opportunities keeping the game scoreless through much of the first two quarters. The Dominators finally broke through late in the second quarter when kicker Thibaud Aaldenberg connected on a field goal, giving the home side a narrow 3–0 lead at halftime.
Falcons fight back
Arnhem responded in the third quarter, capitalizing on an interception by Lennard Harris that set up a short touchdown reception by Rio Antonia. The extra point gave the Falcons a 7–3 advantage and their first lead of the game, energizing the visiting sideline.
Late-game heroics seal it
The Dominators answered in the fourth quarter with a decisive drive culminating in a clutch touchdown reception by Ian Bloemers, putting Utrecht back ahead 10–7. The Falcons had one last chance to respond, but the Dominators defense held firm, stopping Arnhem’s final drive to secure the season-opening win.
Though far from a perfect performance, the victory gives Utrecht an important early advantage in the standings, while Arnhem showed promise in its first top-flight appearance despite the narrow defeat.