On Sunday, June 16, 2024, 1. FC Union Berlin’s women’s team will travel to play SV Henstedt-Ulzburg in the second leg of their promotion play-off, and with it will be looking to take the final step towards the 2. Bundesliga. Kick off at the Beckersbergstadion is at 14:00
A comprehensive description of the hosts can be read in the first leg pre-match write-up.
The first leg
In front of a record crowd of 18,045 spectators at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei, Union put the Regionalliga Nord winners to the sword last weekend, winning 8-0. Pia Metzker opened the scoring in the 17th minute after an impressive assist from Katja Orschmann. Sarah Abu Sabbah made things 2-0 with a penalty after half an hour, one also won by the impressive Metzker, before Lisa Heiseler scored with a wicked long-range shot and Dina Orschmann made it four just before half time.
Immediately after the break, Abu Sabbah stabbed home to make it 5-0 after Dina Orschmann caused havoc in the Hensdtedt-Ulzburg box. They would repeat the trick ten minutes later to give Union their deserved sixth. T
But the best goal of the day was scored by Dina Orschmann in the 66th minute with a bicycle kick after a corner, getting the finest of contacts and guiding the ball inside the back post with her back to goal. But if that was the most technically proficient, Lisa Görsdorf’s eighth, just before the final whistle, was the most moving. It was the longest-serving player in the team’s first of the season.
The full English match report is here.
So, everything is in place for the second leg, though no-one is taking the Regionalliga Nord winners for granted. The hosts will certainly not go down without a fight. However, barring a catastrophe, Sunday should see Union’s fourth promotion to the Bundesliga 2 after 2007, 2014 and 2016.
The personnel
Head coach Ailien Poese will be without Maria Cristina Lange, Pauline Wimmer, Anna Weiß, Marie Becker and Nour Youssef on Sunday.
The coach’s views ahead of the game
“We’re looking forward to the last game of the season and want to approach it with the same level of concentration as the first leg,” said Union’s head coach, Ailien Poese. “We’ve put ourselves in an excellent starting position, but we also know the qualities of our opponents. Our aim is to dominate the game, remain alert defensively and make the most of the opportunities that present themselves.”
Service information
Kick off on Sunday is at 14:00 at the Beckersbergstadion, and the game is completely sold out. Those who are unable to attend will be able to watch the match via livestream on AFTV.
End-of-season party:
To give the players the reception that is their due on their return from Henstedt-Ulzburg, Union are inviting everyone to the Alte Försterei from 20:00. Further information can be found here.