Excelsior secured a 2–1 home win over Sparta Rotterdam at Stadion Woudestein on 29 August 2026, recovering after Sparta equalised shortly after half-time. Kasey Bos came off the bench for Excelsior and played the final eight minutes. The Australian forward completed two passes, created one key pass, won his only recorded duel and made one tackle, helping Excelsior protect the result late on. Excelsior led 1–0 at half-time after A. Sliti’s 24th-minute goal, but M. Zonneveld levelled for Sparta in the 48th minute. N. Groen restored the home side’s lead in the 90th minute, assisted by I. Silva Timas. Sparta had more possession at 57 per cent and completed 404 passes to Excelsior’s 287, yet Excelsior created the sharper threat with 14 total shots, including four on target, compared with Sparta’s 10 and two. Bos was also involved in the 85th-minute substitution that brought him on as Excelsior held firm for the final whistle.