Clinging and Climbing: Sam Vines at Royal Antwerp

Posted today.

 

Since Vines has restarted training, I am going to restart some match info here.

Next match - 18 Feb 2023
Royal Antwerp vs Eupen
10:00 EST

Antwerp started great, cooled off, but has been playing better recently. Eupen need any points they can get.

 

Next match - 26 Feb 2023
OHL vs Royal Antwerp
10:00 EST

Looks like Vines is training more, but not a candidate for this weekend.

 

5 March vs Mechelen
10:00 am EST No ESPN +

Vines is getting closer to returning.

 

Next match - 11 March 2023
Seraing vs Royal Antwerp
2:45 EST
No ESPN +

Seraing is at the bottom of the table and has only won once at home all season. Vines looks like he will not play, there has been no announcement from the club that he is ready, but a win here by Antwerp could see them move into 2nd place.

 

Vines started and played the first 45' in the Young Reds vs Rupel Boom where the Young Reds won 1-0. Match report here, Vines had a shot on goal. They also had a match today against Hoogstrated. It ended 0-0. Not sure how much Vines played.

The Young Reds play in National Division I (3rd Division).

 

Update - Vines did not play yesterday vs Hoogstraten.

 

Next match - 19 March 2023
Royal Antwerp vs Sporting Charleroi
8:25 EST
ESPN +

Vines might make the bench for this one, or might play again for the Young Reds. It is nice to know that he is actually on the field again.

 

Vines might be on the bench today.

 

He is!

Onze 11 starters vandaag! 💪🔴⚪ #ANTCHA #COYR pic.twitter.com/HFZppu4NPh

— Royal Antwerp FC (@official_rafc) March 19, 2023

 

DNP in a 1-0 loss. Only used 2 subs.

 

With an early goal by Sporting, it makes sense that Vines would not enter. They were chasing the match and Vines is not the sub to do that.

 

Starts for the reserves:

Onze 11 Reds tegen Patro Eisden! ✊🔴⚪️ #YoungReds #RAFCAcademy #RAFCjeugd pic.twitter.com/2zWLxeA2ks

— RAFC Academy (@RAFC_academy_) March 26, 2023

 

That's great to see!

 

A possible appearance by our guy today?

 

Next match - 31 March 2023
Zulte Waregem vs Royal Antwerp
2:40 PM EST
ESPN +

Vines might make the bench.

 

Yesterday is today, and Vines has the YA stage all to himself (I think). Here's hoping!

 

On the bench:

STARTING 1⃣1⃣! ✊#RAFC #ZWAANT #COYR🔴⚪ pic.twitter.com/056JeeFWzN

— Royal Antwerp FC (@official_rafc) March 31, 2023

 

Antwerp wins 0-2. Vines does not get off the bench.

 

Antwerp won 2-1 over Cercle Brugge. Vines did not make the bench.

He did start and play the entire match for the U21 team vs Maasmechelen on 27 March.

 

Next match - 16 April 2023
Antwerp vs Kortrijk
12:30 PM EST

Vines might make it in this match. Kortrijk is safe from relegation and can not make any of the playoffs. They have not been playing well over the past few weeks.

The U23 team plays today vs Thes Sport. If he is not in that match, I would assume he is on the bench for Sunday's match.

 

Vines was not on the bench for Antwerp today. The U23 match report should come out early next week.

 

Vines did not make the bench for today's match that ended the regular season. I wonder if they have just shut him down for the remainder of the season. When he comes back next season, it will be like they are just getting a starting outside back, for no additional cost!

 

Might be in line for a cup appearance:

Preps ⚙️ #EnLaatHetOnsHerhalen #CrokyCup🏆 pic.twitter.com/VIdEmaGj2B

— Royal Antwerp FC (@official_rafc) April 25, 2023

 

Bet!