Frauen Bundesliga Week 17: One match, one bus on fire.

Wolfsburg knew prior to the match that they had to be ready for a motivated SG Essen Schonebeck squad. Nearing the bottom of the table and in danger of relegation, Essen Schonebeck desperately needed points. However, no one expected Essen Schonebeck to arrive fired up. Literally that is. Despite the cold temperatures and a snowy atmosphere that had postponed all of the other Frauen Bundesliga matches, having their bus catch on fire was probably not the way Essen Schoenbeck wanted to stay warm. Thankfully, nearby police were able to attend to the fire without anyone being hurt.

Due to a heated artificial pitch and superior snow clearing techniques, the Wolfsburg squad was able to avenge their prior loss to Essen Schonebeck. Coach Ralf Kellermann returned to the sideline for Wolfsburg after being out while recovering from back surgery. With injuries and flu disrupting his normal starting lineup, Kellermann called on young U-20 World Cup champion, Selina Wagner, to play behind star striker Mueller.

After suffering a defeat against Potsdam Turbine on artificial turf in snowy conditions, Kellermann had his team practicing on artificial turf throughout the week in hopes to better prepare his team. The preparation seemed adequate as Wolfsburg managed early dangerous attacks. Making her Bundesliga debut, Essen goal keeper, Jil Strüngmann was strong in the first half. Saves by the young goal keeper had Essen Schonebeck playing confidently.

After a 15 minute delay at half time to further clear the pitch from accumulated snow, Wolfsburg began to wear out the young Essen team. Shortly after Wolfsburg subbed in fresh players in the 59^th minute, Essen’s Vanessa Martini took down Swiss international Martina Moser in the penalty box. Navina Omilade stepped up to take the penalty, but fired the ball at the crossbar.

Just minutes later, German National Team star, Martina Mueller scored her 19^th goal of the season by catching Jil Strüngmann out of position. Mueller’s free kick gave Wolfsburg the only goal it needed for the day.

Although Essen showed promise, their loss puts them just one point clear of the regulation zone in 9^th place. Wolfsburg remains in 4^th as the winter break is now in effect. Due to numerous December postponed matches, the current Frauen Bundesliga table has Turbine Potsdam currently one point ahead of Frankfurt. Both third place FCR 2001 Duisburg and second place Frankfurt have only managed to play 15 games while Turbine Potsdam has played 16. Wolfsburg, in fourth place, has played all 17 of their scheduled matches.

Interesting notes
**Vanessa Martini has made appearances for the German U-17 and U-19 teams.
**Despite being subbed in the 59^th minute, Selina Wagner gained valuable experience playing behind Martina Mueller
**Essen Schonebeck was able to find an alternative bus ride home

Team                               GP     W     T      L     Goals      PTS
 1. Turbine Potsdam         16      13     1      2       41:12         40

 2. Frankfurt                    15      13     0      2       69:13         39

 3. FCR 2001 Duisburg     15      11     2      2       45:15         35

 4. Wolfsburg                   17        9     2      6      45:36         29

 5. Hamburger SV            16        8     2      6      30:30         26

 6. SC 07 Bad Neuenahr   15        8     0      7       39:31         24

 7. FC Bayern Munich      15        6     2      7       22:22         20

 8. Bayer 04 Leverkusen   15        4     2      9       22:43        14

 9. SG Essen-Schonebeck 15        3     4      8        18:34        13

10.1 FC Saarbrucken        15        4      1    10       15:38        13

11. FF USV Jena              15        3     3       9       13:38       12

12. Herford SV                 15        0     1     14        11:58        1