1. FC Union Berlin’s women’s team ran out 3-1 victors at RB Leipzig II on Sunday afternoon. In the battle between third and fourth, Union women deserved to win thanks to a strong team performance and goals from Dina Orschmann, Lisa Heiseler and Luise Wildner.
RB Leipzig II: Hauczinger – Misch (57. Spitzner), Z. Werner, Schreiber, Schmelzle (74. Petters), Kiunke (87. Heckler), M. Werner, Fietz (74. Bäßler), Dittrich, Schubert, Gruneberg
1. FC Union Berlin: Wagner – Wildner, Becker, K. Orschmann, Reissner – Frank, Trojahn, Heiseler – Youssef (71. Bach), D. Orschmann, Krauss (71. Rurack)
Goals: 0:1 D. Orschmann (5.), 1:1 Schubert (45+1.), 1:2 Heiseler (49., penalty), 1:3 Wildner (53.)
Attendance: 50
Orschmann strikes early, Leipzig equalise in time added on
Union’s head coach Ailien Poese left the starting line-up unchanged after last weekend’s 7:1 thumping victory over 1. FFV Erfurt, and flush with the confidence taken on from that win they started bravely in Leipzig, disturbing the hosts from the start with their high pressing. Their aggressive approach led to success in the 5th minute when Lisa Heiseler won the ball in Leipzig’s build-up and had a clear run on goal. At the edge of the six-yard box, however, the captain showed her vision and crossed for Dina Orschmann, who only had to nudge the ball over the line from close range for an early 1-0 lead.
Afterwards, Union’s high pressure caused the Leipzig players constant worries, but they were unable to capitalise. Then, after the initial dominance of the Eisern Ladies, the game became increasingly flat. RB Leipzig II were slightly more able able to break out of Union’s shackles, but still lacked any real threat. Only after a free kick in the 34th minute did Union keeper Melanie Wagner have to make sher first stop.
But just when they thought they had the lead secured going into the break, leipzig equalised out of nowhere. After another free kick, centre-back Laura Schubert rose in the penalty area and headed home to make it 1-1 (45+1).
Heiseler and Wildner put Union on the winning track
The second half began similarly to the first. Union put on the pressure, pressed hard and took an early lead after the captain, Heiseler, was brought down in the box only four minutes into the half. She opted to take the penalty herself and converted it nervelessly to make it 2-1.
Union refused to rest on their laurels, and four minutes later they scored to make it 3-1. After a cross from Celine Frank, full-back Luise Wildner, who had darted through leipzig’s shaken lines, got the ball in the penalty area and kept her cool in front of goal.
Union remained in control after that, only in the 62nd minute was Melanie Wagner forced into a brilliant, reflex stop. Just after the hour, Dina Orschmann saw her lob drift just wide and Sophie Trojahn’s long-range drive missed by inches.
With this victory, Union not only increased their gap ahead of Leipzig II to eight points, but also regained 2nd place in the table following Türkiyemspor’s surprising 3-3 draw in Hohen Neuendorf today. The two sides are level on points, albeit with a game in hand for Türkiyem’. Viktoria Berlin remain top of the table with a seven-point lead.
The coach’s views on the match
“I am utterly impressed by the intensity and enthusiasm the team showed today,” said a content Ailien Poese, Union’s head coach. “A lot of things we have worked on in training over the last few months are gradually becoming clearer in the game. A big compliment to the whole team!”
Outlook
Next Sunday, 19 March 2023, another Berlin derby is on the agenda for Union as they cross the city to play 9th placed Hertha 03 Zehlendorf.
Kick-off at the Ernst-Reuter-Sportforum is at 12:45 pm.