

Hapoel Kiryat Shmona U19 delivered an impressive away performance, defeating Maccabi Herzliya U19 3–1 in the Israel Youth League on May 19, 2026. The visitors overturned an early deficit with a dominant second-half display.
Fast Start from Maccabi Herzliya
The home side drew first blood in the 15th minute, capitalising on a defensive miscommunication. A long ball over the top caught the Hapoel defence flat, and a Maccabi forward finished calmly. However, the lead was short-lived. Hapoel Kiryat Shmona responded with sustained pressure and equalised just before the half-hour mark. A corner kick was met with a powerful header that left the keeper no chance.
Second-Half Surge Seals the Win
Hapoel came out after the break with renewed energy. They took the lead for the first time in the 58th minute with a well-taken goal from the edge of the box that curled into the top corner. Maccabi Herzliya pushed for an equaliser but left gaps at the back. Hapoel sealed the victory late on, finishing a swift counter-attack to make it 3–1.
Impact on the Standings
- Hapoel Kiryat Shmona U19 move up to third place in the league table.
- Maccabi Herzliya U19 slip to mid-table after a third loss in five matches.
- The result highlights Hapoel's resilience and tactical adaptability away from home.
For Maccabi Herzliya, the defeat is a missed opportunity to climb the table. They will need to address defensive lapses in transition if they are to challenge the top sides. Hapoel Kiryat Shmona, meanwhile, will take confidence from this comprehensive victory as they aim for a title push in the youth league.