Popp scores 6

Somewhat overshadowed by the success of Lira Bajramaj and the international Frauen Bundesliga scoring sensation, Anonma, Alexandra Popp has quietly performed well for her Frauen Bundesliga team, FCR 2001 Duisburg. Despite the departure of Inka Grings, Duisburg has successfully transformed into a multi-scoring threat team. Popp is the second leading scorer of the team (3) behind Laudehr (4). After the round of 16 DFB Pokal Cup, perhaps, Popp will not be overlooked again.

Achieving a hat-trick in the world’s beloved game is rare--achieving a double hat-trick even rarer. Fresh from coming off the bench and scoring Germany’s lone goal against Sweden (October 26), Popp scored six out of Duisburg’s ten goals—including the last four goals scored.

No one should be surprised of Popp’s scoring explosion. During the last U-20 World Cup, Popp was awarded the Golden Ball and Golden Boot, scoring ten goals in just six matches.  Popp is a well-rounded player and has succeeded playing both defensive and offensive positions. Known for her speed and technical skill, Popp is definitely one of Germany’s most promising young stars. At only 20 years of age, Popp should have a long and promising career. Could this be the start of her taking her career to the next level? Popp will next be in action with Duisburg against Bad Neuenahr on November 6 and with Germany on November 19 against Kazakhstan.

                Here’s a breakdown of Duisburg’s goals:

Laudehr (8)

Popp (18)

Popp (21)

B. Müller (27)

Bresonik (41)
Cengiz (47)

Popp (53)

Popp (57)

Popp (67)

Popp (74)

Frauen Bundesliga Spieltag 5 Preview (Week 5 preview)

Spieltag 5 Preview 

All matches are on Sunday 2 October

Four games are scheduled to begin at 11:00 German time (5:00 am USA Eastern Time zone) and two are scheduled to begin at 14.00. (8:00 am Eastern Time Zone)

11:00 Matches:

 

Frankfurt versus Bad Neuenahr

Frankfurt suffered a difficult first leg 1-0 loss against Norway’s FK Stabæk earlier this week in the UEFA Women’s Champion League.  As a result, Frankfurt should be eager to show their fire and passion once again on the pitch.  Bajramaj should have little problems weaving in and out of the Bad Neuenahr defense.  Behringer should also be dangerous offensively. Keep an eye on Garefrekes who has lately missed chances on goal yet is still phenomenal with her crosses from the flank.

Bad Neuenahr is offensively led by Pyko and Petzelberger and look for the return of national team member, Celia Okoyino da Mbabi , from injury.  Even if Celia Okoyino da Mbabi was 100% healthy, Bad Neuenahr would still have a difficult time defeating  Frankfurt.

 

Hamburger versus Bayer Leverkusen

Hamburger seems to have the advantage against last place team, Bayer Leverkusen.  Both teams have struggled offensively.  Leverkusen and Hamburger have both only managed to score three goals this season.  Hamburger has conceded eight goals and Leverkusen has conceded thirteen.  Hamburger may have the “mental” advantage after last week’s admirable 2-0 loss to Frankfurt. The same cannot be said for Leverkusen, who failed to hold on to a 2-0 against Lok Leipzig and lost 3-2. 

 

Lok Leipzig versus Freiburg

Lok Leipzig will look to build momentum after obtaining their first Bundesliga victory against Leverkusen.  Freiburg’s coach, Pilipovic, has stated thathis team needs to return to being more aggressive and sees the game againstLeipzig as a way to “get back on track.” Both teams have the ability to showcase some offensive power. 

  

Duisburg versus Wolfsburg

The matchup between the first place Duisburg and the fifth place Wolfsburg seems to be the best match being played in the Frauen Bundesliga this week.  Duisburg is playing with confidence and playing smart technical and tactical soccer.  Seven different players have scored Duisburg’s 14 total goals this season.  With all of these aspects working in Duisburg’s favor, Wolfsburg will have to maintain the energy and intensity that they displayed during the first half against Turbine Potsdam.  Consistency plagues Wolfsburg.  Defensively, Wolfsburg is improving but still remains the team’s major weakness. (For more information as to how Wolfsburg can be defeated tactically, check out an earlier post)

14:00 Matches (8:00 a.m. USA Eastern Standard Time)

 

Turbine Potsdam versus Essen -Schönebeck

Although Essen has been the “surprise” team of the season thus far, defeating powerhouse Turbine Potsdam will not be an easy task.  Potsdam’s scoring duo of Anonma and Nagasato have been embarrassing opposing team defenses.  Combine the offensive threat with a solid defense led by such players as Schmidt and Peter, Potsdam should have an easy time with Essen.  Although Ursula Holl and Essen’s defense has only conceded five goals this season, Essen’s offense has only scored five goals.

Bayern Munchen versus USV Jena

Do not be surprised if USV Jena earns their second victory of the season against Bayern.  While Martina Voss-Tecklenberg is slowly building the confidence of her team, Bayern’s coach is making post match press conference statements about his team playing like “princesses.” Rather true or not—and rather joking or not, comments like these do little to inspire an already disappointing team.  Bayern does have the talent yet they seem unmotivated. 

For current stats through Spieltag 4 

Frauen BundesligaSpeiltag 4 Review

 FRAUEN BUNDESLIGA MATCH DAY 4

Freiburg 0  Duisburg 6

Starters:

Freiburg:

                Brunner

Boschert   Zirnstein   J. Maier   Abbe

Kruger   Wendlinger  

                    Sainio

Miraoui              Leupolz

Kayikci

Subs: Hegenauer for Wendlinger (40); Makanza for Kayikci (46); Lohmann for Miraoui (67)

Duisburg:

                Bellinghoven

Wensing    Krahn   Neboli   Himmighofen 

                     Oster

Cengiz     Ando    Laudehr

        Popp    Wichelt

Subs: B. Mueller for Ando (58); Groenen for Weichelt (67);Hogewoning for Himmighofen (72)

Goals:

Ando (25)Weichelt (27) Wensing (45) Oster (55)  Weichelt (59) Laudehr (86)

Yellow: Abbe; Weichelt

Duisburg had little trouble containing Freiburg. Despite playing at home, Freiburg failed to generate any of their usual attacking strength. Duisburg opened up their scoring rout when Japanese International star, Ando, scored her first Bundesliga goal of the current season. Weichelt led Duisburg with two goals increasing her season total to three.  Duisburg’s substantial victory over Freiburg not only positioned them at the top of the table but also demonstrated that Duisburg has overcome opening season hurdles. Perhaps the off-field drama caused by the exit of Martina Voss-Tecklengburg and Inga Grings is finally behind Duisburg. 

Bayer 04 Leverkusen 2   FC Lok Leipzig 3

Starters:

Bayer Leverkusen:

                                L. Schmitz

Priessen  Kasperczyk    Elsig   Bakir

Hendrich    Gotte   Barth  

Schwab    Knaak     Beckmann

Subs: Linden for Barth (46), F. Weber for Gotte (63), Thompson for Schwab (63)

Leipzig:

                         Thalmann

Krengel     van Bonn    Ludwig    Lahr

L. Schneider   M. Hermann    Heller

                          Lubcke

             Patzke       Ebermann                                                                                 

SUBS:  L. Meyer  for Hermann (46) Homp for Krengel (61);

Goals: Hendrich (34); Beckmann (47); Ebermann (53) van Bonn (83—PK); Ebermann (85)

Bayern Leverkusen appeared to be in solid form in obtaining their first victory of the season leading Lok Leipzig 2-1 late in the second half.  However, Lok Leipzig proved once again that they are not a team to be taken lightly and quickly surmounted two quick scoring campaigns to steal the victory from the home side. In the 83^rd minute, a penalty was given and Leipzig’s van Bonn's kick leveled the score.  Bayern Leverkusen stated the call was controversial.  Two minutes later, Ebermann scored her second goal for Leipzig, giving them a 3-2 advantage. Despite all efforts from Bayern Leverkusen throwing numbers forward into the attack, Leipzig managed to prevent any goals and walked away with their first victory of the season.

Hamburger SV 0  FFC Frankfurt 2

Starters:

Hamburger

       B. Weech

Engel   Haye  Meiforth   Simon

Salander   Kameraj

        Ewers

Bagehorn   J. Wich   Timmermann

Subs:  Brenner for Salander (73) Hepfer for Bagehorn (77)

Frankfurt:

    Angerer

Percival   Bartusiak  Kumagai    Weber

Smisek   Huth   Behringer   Garefrekes

   Crnogorcevic   Bajramaj

Subs: Krieger for Percival (62) Lewandowski for Smisek (62) Landstrom for Crnogorcevic (82)

Bajramaj (60) (86)

Hamburger’s compact defensive tactical move slowed powerhouse Frankfurt’s offensive style.  Although not threatening offensively, Hamburger managed to limit Frankfurt to zero goals in the first half.  Lira Bajramaj finally broke the scoreless deadlock after magically dribbling her way to Frankfurt’s first goal in the 60^th minute.  Bajramaj scored again in the 86^th minute to secure Frankfurt’s victory.

Wolfsburg 0 Turbine Potsdam 2

Starters:

Wolfsburg

    Vetterlein

Faißt   Omilade    Henning   Bunte

  Keßler  Goeßling  

I. Hartmann    Jakabfi

M. Müeller   Pohlers

Subs:  Smith for Bunte (58) Blässe for I. Hartmann (67); Moser for Faißt (75)

Potsdam:

   Berger

B. Schmidt   Peter   Cramer

Zietz   Odebrecht   Göransson   Hanebeck

Mittag   Anonma   Nagasato

Subs:  I. Kerschowski for Göransson (61) Andonova for Anonma (90+2)

Goals: Anonma (46) Nagasato (50)

Wolfsburg opened the match with a surge of adrenaline and the desire to prove that they can compete with the Bundesliga’s top three teams.  Highlights can be seen on DFB TV’sWebsite.  Wolfsburg successfully disrupted Potsdam’s possession game which resulted in few chances from Potsdam’s star strikers, Anonma and Nagasato.  Wolfsburg failed to successfully finish any offensive attack—often missing wide or hitting the goal post.  Potsdam rarely used the width in their attack during the first half and failed to capitalize on Wolfsburg’s loss of possession.  Potsdam did, however, correct this during the half and immediately punished Wolfsburg’s lax second half start.  Potsdam took advantage of poor Wolfsburg defending and scored off a perfectly laid ball for Anonma to finish.  Anonma set up Potsdam’s second goal by offensively over powering Wolfsburg’s back line and unselfishly passing to Nagasato.  The two goals were enough to give Potsdam the victory.  For more on how to tactically break down Wolfsburg—click here

SG Essen-Schonebeck 1  FC Bayern Munchen 0

Starters:

Essen:

    Holl

Mester   Dörpinghaus  da Silva Costa

Martini   M Hoffmann Ioannidou  Klasen

Hamann   C. Hartmann  Dallmann

Subs: Wolf for Ioannidou (62) Bemmelen for C. Hartmann (87) Freutel for Dallmann (90)

Bayern Munchen

  Längert

N. Banecki   Baunach Wenninger Schöne

Wimbersky  Lotzen  Schnaderbeck

Bürki  Bachor Feiresinger

Sub s: Rudelic for Feiresinger (46); S. Banecki for Lotzen (60)

Goals: Hamann (3) 

When a coach declares that he had 11 “Princesses” on the field, one knows that things are not going well for his team.  Bayern coach Thomas Wörle said his team had “no fight or passion” during his post-match press conference.   That statement does not bode well for Bayern, whose only victory came during week 1 against Leverkusen.  

Essen was able to take a quick lead when Hamann scored in the 3rd minute.  Goal keeper, Ursula Holl, along with a stingy defense, aided in Essen's third victory of the season. Essen's only suffered a loss during the first match of the season with a 3-0 loss to Frankfurt.  The victory  now places Essen in 4th place with 9pts, two points ahead of Wolfsburg. 

USV Jena 1   Bad Neuenahr 0

Goals:  Schiewe (16)

Starters:

FF USV JENA:

                Schroffenegger

Brosius     Roelvink    Radtke      Seiler

Milde   Schiewe   J. Arnold   Heinze

Hearn   S. Arnold

SUBS:  Salkunic for Heinze (64) Beil for Milde (77)  Stubing for Hearn (88)

SC 07 Bad Neuenahr

                                Schult

Storzel   C Schroder      L. Maier    Hoyle

Kuznik   Rech    Na Rolser

Pyko   Petzelberger   Gregorius

USV Jena finally scored their first Bundesliga goal of the 2011-2012 season which in turn secured their first victory of the season. Bad Neuenahr’s goal keeper, Schult, poorly deflected a short corner attempt, setting up Schiewe’s goal in the 16^th minute.  USV Jena had a chance to go up by two goals in the first half after Stephanie Milde was taken down in the box.  Hearn’s penalty kick attempt smacked the crossbar. Despite playing significantly better in the second half, Bad Neuenahr failed to muster any significant scoring chances.  Bad Neuenahr’s offense continues to lack productivity without Celia Okoyino da Mbabi.


For current Frauen Bundesliga stats updated through Spieltag 4 please click here.

Frauen Bundesliga Week 1 Review

Week 1 Post Game Notes: Each week I will be bringing you notes and highlights from the Frauen Bundesliga. These are summaries and not meant to be a tactical analysis. From time to time, I will publish a more in depth tactical summary of individual matches.

FFC FRANKFURT 3 SG Essen-Schönebeck 0

Attendance: 2750

Starting formations:

Frankfurt: 4-4-2

                  Angerer

Percival  Bartusiak, Kumagai Weber

Huth, Behringer, Marozsan, Smisek

     Landström           Bajramaj  

Subs: Krieger for Percival (70) ; Thunebro for Kumagai (70) Garefrekes for Landstrom (63)

USA ALERT: Krieger subs in at 70th minute 

ESSEN-Schonebeck: 4-3-3

Holl

Mester, Tarr, da Silva Costa, Hauer

Martini, M. Hoffmann, Oliveira Leite

Dallmann  Wolf     Hartmann

Subs: Dorpinghaus for Leite (55); Hamann for Dallmann (55); Klasen for Wolf (77)

Essen was able to prevent Frankfurt from scoring until the 38^th minute. Poor defending by Essen Schonebeck allowed Smisek to generate a clear shot on goal. As Essen players literally jumped and turned rather than stepping up and blocking, Smisek fired a perfect shot on goal. Easy look…easy shot…easy goal. Lira Bajramaj dominated the remainder of the match. Bajramaj is a brilliant and authentic attacker. Her use and dominance on the flanks is mesmerizing. Bajramaj set up numerous scoring chances with dangerous crosses and slotted balls into the box. Frankfurt’s second goal was created by Bajramaj once again controlling the left flank.  Bajramaj worked the ball into Behringer, who delivered a lofted ball into the box. Huth headed the ball into the back of the net. Just three minutes later, Bajramaj fired a strong shot for Frankfurt’s third and final goal. Essen-Schoenbeck left Bajramaj completely open and unmarked.

Impact players: Bajramaj seemed unstoppable against Essen-Schonebeck.

 

Turbine Potsdam 4 Hamburger SV 0

Starting Formations:

Turbine Potsdam 3-4-3

Berger

B. Schmidt, Peter, Kemme

Odebrecht, Zietz, Cramer, Hanebeck

Mittag  Nagasato Anonma

Subs: Andonova for Mittag (74), I. Kerschowski for Nagasato (74),

Hamburger SV: 4-3-3

Weech

Engel, Brüggemann, Haye, Simon

Timmermann Ewers , Meiforth

Bagehorn        Kameraj, J. Wich

Subs: Brenner for Ewers (46) Salander for Bagehorn (65), Nohr for Timmermann (80)

Watch highlights on DFB TV

Game notes: To say that Turbine Potsdam completely dominated Hamburger SV may be an understatement. Early on, Hamburger struggled in the midfield and rarely had possession.  In fact, Hamburger’s midfield appeared to be non-existent on numerous occasions.  The 2011-2012 Turbine Potsdam squad plays with a significant amount of speed. Fast play combined with superior technical skills and tactical precision, Turbine Potsdam was difficult to dispossess. Turbine Potsdam wasted no time in initiating their scoring blitz. Nagasato with the softest perfected touch, headed a crossed ball from Hanebeck back to Anonma. With a merticulousness finish in the 8^th minute, Anonma continued to prove that she is a world class striker. Turbine Potsdam continued to dominate using every inch of the field. Anja Mittag was feisty, creative, and dangerous. Mittag, combined with Nagasato and Anonma create a lethal trio.

As if to return the favor for the first goal, Anonma sent a ball in towards the center of the pitch (top of the box). Kemme played the ball to Mittag who delivered a quick touch to Nagasato. The World Cup Champion scored Turbine Potsdam’s second goal in the 20^th minute.  Shortly after the goal, Hamburger’s Wich had a 1 v 1 scoring chance but Berger made a sliding save which resulted in a sure goal saved by her legs.

After 40 minutes of almost complete domination, Turbine Potsdam began to lose their patience and started to send numerous long flighted balls to their forwards. Although not an ideal tactic, Zeitz long pass to Nagasato in the 58^th minute resulted in Turbine Potsdam’s third goal.  Potsdam’s final goal was a brilliant deadly strike a good distance from goal by Anonma. 

Potsdam’s forwards consistently applied high pressure on Hamburger’s back line causing many Hamburger turnovers. Hamburger’s team appeared to be constantly frustrated.

Impact players: Nagasato, Anonma, and Mittag (Potsdam) and Jessica Wich from Hamburg. Interesting to note—Wich played with Potsdam the last few seasons. Wich is a solid striker. Unfortunately, she did not have much support during this game.

FF USV JENA 0 Wolfsburg 3

Starting Formations:

USV Jena 4-4-2

                                                             Schroffenegger

Roelvink, Radtke, Brosius, Milde

Heinze, Schiewe, Kraus (59. Stübing), J. Arnold (64. Beil)

S. Arnold, Hearn (81. Lehnert)

Subs: Stubing for Kraus (59); Beil for J. Arnold (64); Lehnert for Heam (81)

Wolfsburg: 4-4-2 or 4-2-2-2

Vetterlein

Faißt, Omilade, Henning, Bunte

Keßler Goeßling

Jakabfi,  Blässe

M. Müller, Pohlers

Subs: I. Hartmann for Blasse (68); Larsen Kaurin for Pohlers (79); Bock for Kessler (83)

Game notes: Wolfsburg began the match strong creating numerous scoring chances early in the half. In the 12^th minute, Kessler was able to head the ball in to score off a cross from Faisst. The top goal scorer from the previous season, Connie Pohlers (played for Frankfurt last season) continued to display her dominance as a scoring power, scoring twice for her new club, Omilade missed a penalty kick opportunity in the 76^th minute. Look for Jena to improve as the season progresses. Former Duisburg coach, Martina Voss-Tecklenburg, should provide valuable leadership to this team.

FCR 2001 Duisburg 2 FC Lok Leipzig 1

Starting Formations:  4-1-3-2

Duisburg:

Bellinghoven

Himmighofen, Krahn, Neboli, Jacome Silva)

Laudehr

Oster      Ando,      Islacker

Popp,       Wensing

Subs: Weichelt for Jacome Silva (60); B Muller for Oster (68); Bresonik for Wensing (83)

Lok Leipzig: 3-5-2

Härling

Krengel, L. Schneider, van Bonn

Lübcke, Lahr (89. Homp), M. Herrmann, Heller, Toth (56. Ebermann)

Patzke, L. Meyer (74. Ludwig)

Subs: Homp for Lahr (89), Ebermann for Toth (56), Ludwig for L. Meyer (74)

Game Notes: Unfortunately for Duisburg, a major distraction rested in the hearts of their players. Former captain and star, Inka Grings, had announced that she was leaving the team. (Read about it here). With Duisburg distracted, Patzke’s dazzling play enabled Meyer to score in the 14^th minute giving newly promoted Leipzig the early lead. Despite Leipzig counterattacks, Duisburg stayed steady and by the second half found new determination. Alexander Popp successfully headed in a goal off Islacker’s free kick. Duisburg needed substitutions to fully take control of the match. Weichelt scored the go ahead goal in the 85^th minute. Despite major difficulties, Duisburg manages to obtain three points with the victory.

Bayern Munchen 3 Bayer Leverkusen 0

Starting Formations:

Bayern Munchen         4-3-3

Längert

Mirlach, Schöne, Baunach  Wenninger

Simic, Wimbersky, Feiersinger

                       Rudelic  Banecki Bachor

Subs: Hartmannsegger for Rudelic (78); Romert for Banecki (86); Schnaderbeck for Baunach (89)

Bayer Leverkusen: 3-4-3

L. Schmitz

Knopp, Prießen Kasperczyk

Hendrich, Götte, Moik  Weber

         Schwab Thompson, Knaak

Subs: Elsig for Priessen (31); Beckmann for Moik (56); Heep for Schwab (75)

Game notes: Rudelic was the star of the match today, immediately setting the tone for the match by scoring in the opening minutes of play. Rudelic’s creative play created numerous scoring chances for Bayern Munchen. Leverkusen struggled to generate any offense against Bayern Munchen.  Bachor scored in the 26 minute and Feiersinger scored in the 89 to secure Bayern Munchen’s win.  

Bad Neuenahr 2 SC FRIEBURG 2

Attendance: 915

Starting Formation for Bad Neuenahr: 4-3-3

                                         Schult

      S. Schröder, Störzel, C. Schröder, L. Maier

    Doorsoun-Khajeh    Kuznik,           Rech

   Okoyini da Mbabi,   Pyko                Gregorius

Subs used: Selensky (90) for Doorsoun-Khaieh; Petzelberger(54) for Pyko; Nati (66) for Gregorius

Starting Formation For Frieburg: 4-4-1-1 or 4-2-2-1-1

Brunner

Boschert, Zirnstein, Nowak, J. Maier

Krüger, Hegenauer

Leupholz, Sainio

Miraoui

Makanza

Subs used: Igwe (77) for Hegenauer; Kayikci (60) for Miraoui; Lohmann (66) Makanza

Cards: Zirnstein (Freiburg)

USA ALERT (IGWE enters game in 77th minute) 

Match Recap: Bad Neuenahr’s introduction to newly promoted SC Freiburg sparked a realization that their back line had to contain Freiburg’s ability to score.  Surprisingly to the home side’s fans, Freiburg dominated play until the middle of the second half. Lydia Miraoui fired a 25 meter first touch shot that rebounded off Bad Neuenahr’s goal keeper, Schult.  Melanie Leupholz was in perfect position for the rebound and easily scored Freiburg’s first goal of the 2011-2012 season.  

Bad Neuenahr’s nervous play continued into the second half.  A free kick in the 48^th minute results in Frieburg’s second goal, scored by Miraoui. Bad Neuenahr’s captain, Okoyini da Mbabi was instrumental in both of their goals. Doorsoun-Khajeh scored in the 72^nd minute followed by an Okoyini da Mbabi goal to level the match in the 84^th minute.  Despite Bad Neuenahr gained composure, they were unable to find a winning goal.

Impact players: Okoyini da Mbabi and Miraoui

How FCR 2001 Duisburg Tactically Defeated Frankfurt

Perhaps nothing could illustrate as to why 2001 Duisburg was able to defeat favored home side Frankfurt better than the panned camera shot of the Frankfurt bench wrapped in heavy blankets as one sheepish player yawned a yawn that lasted more than the allotted extra time. Frankfurt was caught napping.

Tactically, Frankfurt was superior during much of the first half. Creating numerous options offensively, Frankfurt tested the 4-1-4-1 Duisburg formation. With Duisburg’s lone striker, Inka Grings, unable to apply any dangerous high pressure on Frankfurt’s back four, Frankfurt was able to patiently establish a possession game. Rarely trying to find central gaps on the pitch, Frankfurt weaved in and out of Duisburg’s compacted midfield by attacking the flanks. Numerous simple overlapping runs down the flank allowed for Frankfurt to have multiple options for their player in possession of the ball. Although Frankfurt managed to produce numerous goal scoring opportunities, they failed at finding the back of the net. Perhaps even more condemning, Frankfurt players often passed on an opportunity to take a shot.

Similar to a 4-5-1, the 4-1-4-1 is obviously a very defensive formation. The 4-1-4-1 will compact a midfield and provide a team with a holding midfielder. The holding midfielder is the key to the success of this formation. Offensively, the wing players must be explosive and creative. Duisburg looked sub par within this formation. Defensively, Duisburg did manage to shut down Birgit Prinz. However, Frankfurt’s command of the flanks produced many dangerous situations. Offensively, Duisburg was not creative out of the 4-1-4-1. They lacked creativity, dangerous runs, and any support for Grings. Often unable to string together more than two consecutive passes, even Alexandra Popp’s occasional success on the wing led to few attacking situations.

Martina Voss-Tecklenburg knew that the 4-1-4-1 formation was not working well for her team. After a half time pep talk and tactical changes, Duisburg’s return to their more familiar 4-4-2 formation ignited a surge of offensive power. Duisburg began pressuring high which created dangerous moments. After comfortably passing along the backline during most of the first half, Frankfurt’s back four failed to adjust to the new pressure. At one point. Frankfurt precariously played the ball across their own defensive box while a chasing Duisburg player came within inches of intercepting the ball.

Duisburg began playing with momentum. Frankfurt failed to adjust. Soon after Oster was replaced by Kozue Ando, a foul was committed by Frankfurt on the left side near midfield. The 71^st minute produced the lone goal of the afternoon. A quick restart and beautiful long over the top pass from Fuss to Grings caught a slow to react Frankfurt off guard. By the time Frankfurt reacted to the quick restart, Grings had already successfully scored.

image from FFC 

Voss-Tecklenburg adjusted her formation once again in hopes of maintaining the lead. Mandy Islacker entered in for Maes, and Bresonik was moved to holding midfielder. Ann Von Bonn replaced Annemieke Kiessel in the 80^th minute to round out Duisburg changes. Despite last minute pressure, Duisburg goal keeper, Christina Bellinghofen, denied Frankfurt an equalizer.

Great adjustments from Voss-Tecklenburg combined with Grings leadership ensured a Duisburg victory. For Frankfurt fans, all is not loss. Blame winter break for their slow start to 2011. Frankfurt plays Saarbrucken next week while Duisburg has a difficult challenge against Turbine Potsdam.

Side game notes:

• Birgit Prinz was ineffective and not impressive today. She was subbed in the 66^th minute.
• USA midfielder Ali Krieger stood out for Frankfurt today. Her brilliant game was only tarnished by not finishing what seemed like an easy opportunity against a diving keeper.
• Kerstin Garefrekes continues to maintain her reputation as a tough midfielder. Knee bloodied offensively dangerous, and slammed a ball into the gut of a Duisburg player who tried to stall by delaying her throw-in at end of game.
• With the absence of Abby Wambach and continuing struggles with the 4-4-2, the US Women’s National team performed well in a 4-1-4-1 formation during the Four Nations Tournament