A result that looks like a defeat on paper – but whoever takes a closer look will recognize that ABC's U19 is on course. Although they suffered a 1-2 loss against the ambitious TuS BW Königsdorf – a team that was active in the DFB youth league until a few months ago – coach Maxwell Lunga's team showed significantly more stability compared to the 0-8 debacle in Bergisch Gladbach before the summer break.
Defensively solid, tactically more disciplined – the new ABC face bore the marks of recent training sessions. While the hosts dominated for large stretches, they needed two penalties after halftime to pull away with a 2-0 lead. The beacon of hope for the visitors: Mika Eisenzapf, who reduced the deficit on a counter-attack with a shot from midfield – 67th minute, 2-1. That was all they could muster, but the performance was a sign of things to come.
"The boys' understanding of the game for the system is growing," praised team coordinator Markus Tempel.
Next milestones: Away at SC Fortuna Bonn and at home against FV Wiehl.
Symbol photo:
Noah Weidenbach and his U19 teammates are on the right track.