Zwolle Women 2-3 De Graafschap (W): Late Roetgering Goal Seals Thriller
De Graafschap Women edged a five-goal thriller against Zwolle Women on Sunday, September 20, 2026, winning 3-2 in the Eredivisie Vrouwen. Maud Roetgering scored the decisive goal in the 81st minute, capping an end-to-end contest that swung both ways.
The result is a significant one in the Dutch women’s top flight, giving De Graafschap valuable momentum while leaving Zwolle frustrated after twice fighting back into the match. It was a game of quick transitions, attacking width and moments of individual quality.
Match Overview
De Graafschap started brightly and took the lead in the 14th minute through Jill Wilts, who finished confidently after a flowing move down the right. Zwolle responded well, equalizing in the 22nd minute when Nienke Wijnhoven converted from close range after a goalmouth scramble.
The visitors restored their advantage in the 34th minute, Sanne Koolhaas scoring with a precise strike from the edge of the box. Zwolle again refused to lie down, and Fenna Meijer made it 2-2 in the 58th minute with a well-taken effort. Just as the match looked set for a draw, Roetgering struck late to win it for De Graafschap.
Key Moments
- 14' – 0-1: Jill Wilts latched onto a through ball and slotted past the Zwolle goalkeeper.
- 22' – 1-1: Nienke Wijnhoven equalized from close range after De Graafschap failed to clear a corner.
- 34' – 1-2: Sanne Koolhaas restored the lead with a low shot from outside the box.
- 58' – 2-2: Fenna Meijer finished a quick Zwolle counter-attack to level the score again.
- 81' – 2-3: Maud Roetgering headed in the winner from a free-kick, leaving Zwolle little time to respond.
Tactical Story
Both teams played with attacking intent, but De Graafschap’s midfield pressing caused Zwolle problems in the first half. The visitors won the ball high up the pitch and created chances through quick combinations. Zwolle’s strength came from wide areas, where their full-backs overlapped and delivered dangerous crosses.
As the game opened up in the second half, space appeared in midfield. De Graafschap’s coach made a key substitution, adding fresh legs on the wing, which helped stretch Zwolle’s defense. The winning goal came from a set piece, an area De Graafschap had targeted throughout the match.
Standout Players
Maud Roetgering was the hero for De Graafschap, not only for her late goal but also for her defensive work and leadership at the back. Jill Wilts and Sanne Koolhaas were constant threats going forward, while the goalkeeper made a crucial save at 2-2 to keep the score level.
For Zwolle, Nienke Wijnhoven and Fenna Meijer took their goals well, and the midfield showed character to twice come from behind. However, the team will be disappointed with the marking on the decisive free-kick.
Eredivisie Vrouwen Table and Season Impact
This 3-2 victory gives De Graafschap Women a timely three points in the Eredivisie Vrouwen, helping them climb the standings and build confidence. Zwolle Women remain competitive but will feel they missed an opportunity to take something from a home match in which they scored twice.
What’s Next for Zwolle and De Graafschap
Zwolle Women will focus on defensive organization and set-piece marking ahead of their next fixture. De Graafschap will look to maintain their attacking momentum, knowing that away wins in the Eredivisie Vrouwen can be crucial in the race for a strong league position.

