Augsburg suffer defeat in third friendly

Dirk Schuster’s FC Augsburg side lost their third pre-season friendly on Monday. Second-tier outfit SV Sandhausen inflicted a 2-0 defeat on the Bundesliga club in Mindelheim. FCA started strongly in the Julius-Strohmayer-Stadion and could have taken the lead after just two minutes through Halil Altintop but his effort was blocked. Moments later his powerful volley hit the post before rebounding to safety. Sandhausen took the lead against the run of play after 21 minutes thanks to Markus Karl, who fired home after a corner. Schuster’s men reacted well to going behind and continued to create chances but were unable to get back on level terms. Halil Altintop was thwarted by goalkeeper Marco Knaller and Caiuby’s rebound was blocked for a corner. The Brazilian also had an acrobatic effort saved shortly before the interval. Augsburg made 10 changes at the break with only Ioannis Gelios staying on the field. Sandhausen doubled their lead moments into the second period, when Thomas Pledl burst into the box and fired home with aplomb. FCA struggled to get back into the game in the minutes following the goal and almost fell further behind but Gelios did well to stop Markus Karl from netting again. Chances were at a premium as the game drew to a close, as Schuster’s men failed to break down a resolute Sandhausen defence. A late effort from Dominik Kohr was tipped away by Knaller and the final whistle blew soon after.