FCA suffer 1-0 defeat in Sinsheim
Geiger scores the only goal of the game
First Team
27.08.2022, 17:33
FC Augsburg returned home from Sinsheim empty-handed after a 1-0 defeat to TSG 1899 Hoffenheim on matchday 4. A crowd of 17,206 were on hand to witness Dennis Geiger notch the winning goal at the PreZero Arena.
Head coach Enrico Maaßen handed both Ricardo Pepi and Raphael Framberger their first starts of the season, as they replaced Felix Uduokhai (syndesmosis ligament injury) and Carlos Gruezo (bench). André Hahn and Frederik Winther were kept out of the squad due to injury.
Hoffenheim, who had taken six points from their first three matches this season, got off to a strong start in front of their hometown fans. The first chance of the afternoon fell to Grischa Prömel, who sent a shot just wide (7’), before Andrej Kramaric had an attempt from 13 metres out (9’). Ermedin Demirović recorded two quick shots for FCA (11‘, 13‘), both from tricky positions.
FCA struggled to get out of their own half in the final quarter of an hour, with Georgino Rutter (26‘), Christoph Baumgartner (29‘) and Kramaric (32‘) all missing the target. Goalkeeper Rafał Gikiewicz was then unable to prevent Dennis Geiger from opening the scoring with an eye-catching volley after Robert Skov laid it off (38’). Arne Maier had a go from range (45’), with referee Tobias Welz whistling for half-time shortly after.
Jensen forced off injured, Petkov makes his first appearance of the season
The first noteworthy chance after the break fell to Baumgartner, who sent a shot just over the bar (52‘). Two minutes later, Fredrik Jensen was able to break down the left wing, but his attempted cross was blocked. Florian Niederlechner came off the bench and didn’t need long for his first shot, although it was easily saved by Oliver Baumann (57’). FCA struggled to create any meaningful chances in the second half, with Hoffenheim clearly on top.
Jensen was then forced to come off in the 79th minute after colliding with Ozan Kabak. Academy product Lukas Petkov was able to come on in the latter stages of the game, making his first appearance of the season. Hoffenheim’s defence were able to stand strong throughout the closing minutes, with substitute Munas Dabbur nearly doubling their advantage late on, were it not for a strong save from Gikiewicz (90’+1).
FCA currently have three points from four games, and occupy 12th place in the table. Next up on Sunday, 4th September (15:30 CEST), they will host Hertha BSC at the WWK ARENA.
