Young LASK Side Falls to Union Berlin

Head coach João Sacramento made a full squad rotation as planned following the 2-1 victory over Hajduk Split the previous day, fielding a side filled with young talents. Among them, 18-year-old academy product Fabian Schillinger started in goal, Vincent Augustus took up the left-back position, Armin Haider featured in central midfield, and youngster Nael Kane led the line in attack.

The opening phase of the match was largely even, with clear-cut chances initially few and far between. Around the 25-minute mark, the game picked up momentum: Mohamed Sanogo narrowly missed the target following a Berisha corner, and just moments later, Moses Usor fired just wide from a promising position.

Despite the complete overhaul in personnel, LASK remained committed to their playing philosophy, occasionally executing their principles well. Their pressing game managed to put Union under pressure at times. However, the visitors broke the deadlock just before halftime: after a corner to the far post, Lucas Tousart rose highest and headed in from close range, leaving Schillinger – who had brilliantly denied Andrej Ilic minutes earlier – with no chance.

The young goalkeeper was called into action again shortly after halftime, making a brilliant save from a long-range effort by Robert Skov. During this phase, Berlin looked the more dangerous side with more attacking actions, including two near misses from former LASK striker Marin Ljubičić. Ilyas Ansah, on the other hand, capitalized on a back pass to Schillinger, intercepting the ball and deflecting it into the net – 0:2 (63’).

By that time, young center-backs Cheikne Kebe and Alpha Balde were already on the pitch for LASK, as well as new signing Art Smakaj and Lenny Pintor, who celebrated his comeback after an injury layoff. Toward the end of the match, three more young talents got their chance: Jakob Wanker, Armin Midžić, and Queyrell Tchicamboud, the latter recording a shot in the 76th minute that, however, was too central. The score remained unchanged, and in their seventh pre-season match, LASK suffered their second defeat. The season opener takes place next Saturday in the ÖFB Cup against Wiener Sport-Club.

LASK – 1. FC Union Berlin 0:2 (0:1)
Raiffeisen Arena, 6,442 spectators | Referee: Tobias Wimhofer
Goals: 0:1 Tousart (45+2), 0:2 Ansah (63)

LASK lineup: Schillinger – Lebersorger, Cisse (62' Kebe), Boateng (62' Balde), Augustus (84' Midžić) – Sanogo (62' Smakaj), Haider – Usor (46' Pintor), Berisha (72' Tchicamboud), Flecker (c) – Kane (77' Wanker)