Vienna Women Fall to Sturm Graz 1:2
The Vienna women's team started the new league year with a narrow 1:2 away defeat against Sturm Graz. Despite a determined performance and a late goal by Gutmann, it wasn't enough to secure a point.
First League Match of the Year in Graz
For their first league match of the year, Vienna Women traveled to Graz to face SK Sturm Graz at the training center in Messendorf. Due to winter conditions, the match was moved to artificial turf and had to be played without spectators.
Following a dominant cup victory against Wacker Innsbruck, head coach Dobrounig made two changes to the starting lineup: Wucher started up front instead of Natter, and Piplits returned in goal.
Strong Start for Vienna
Vienna started the match at a high tempo, putting early pressure on the hosts. Their first good chance came in the third minute when Seidl received a pass inside the penalty area and fired a shot from a promising position. However, the ball sailed over the crossbar.
Both teams sought to create attacking moments in the early minutes, but clear scoring chances were scarce. Sturm Graz had their first opportunity in the 11th minute when a shot from the wing hit the side netting. Vienna responded in the 14th minute when Kappenberger found space after several blocked shots but missed the target. Two minutes later, Rukavina attempted a long-range shot, but the Sturm goalkeeper collected it safely.
Rukavina Tests the Keeper
Vienna’s best opportunity up to that point came in the 19th minute. A cross from Höcherl was initially cleared but eventually found its way to Rukavina, who struck the ball first-time, forcing a brilliant save from the Sturm goalkeeper. Gebert had another chance in the 27th minute but shot off target.
Piplits Keeps Vienna Level
Towards the end of the first half, Sturm Graz became more dangerous. In the 35th minute, Kovar lost possession in the buildup, allowing Jakobsen to break through one-on-one with the goalkeeper. However, Piplits reacted quickly to make a crucial save. Just before halftime, Jakobsen threatened again, but Piplits once more showcased her quality, ensuring the match remained goalless at the break.
A first half full of chances for both teams ended 0:0, with both goalkeepers playing key roles in keeping the scores level.
Second-Half Setback as Sturm Strikes Twice
Both teams emerged unchanged from the halftime break. Sturm Graz started aggressively, pressing Vienna's defense high up the pitch. A mistake in buildup play then led to the opening goal: Kovar lost possession, and Popofsits set up Jakobsen, who slotted home to make it 1:0 for Sturm.
Vienna reacted immediately by bringing on Natter for Kappenberger. However, just as she entered the field, Sturm doubled their lead. This time, Jakobsen turned provider, assisting Popofsits, who finished easily for 2:0.
Sturm Stays Compact, Vienna Pushes Forward
Despite the quick double setback, Vienna remained determined to regain control of the match. Seidl had a good chance, but her shot failed to find the target.
Sturm, however, defended compactly and looked dangerous on the counterattack. One such counter nearly resulted in a third goal when Jakobsen broke free again, but her shot narrowly missed the far post.
Vienna Keeps Fighting
In the 68th minute, Vienna made another change, bringing in Fankhauser for Höcherl. However, Sturm's disciplined defense continued to hold firm. On the other end, Piplits had to make yet another crucial save against Jakobsen in a one-on-one situation.
In the closing stages, Hahn attempted a long-range effort for Vienna, but it missed the target by a wide margin. Shortly before the final whistle, Schneiderbauer replaced Gebert. In stoppage time, Piplits once again denied Jakobsen, keeping the score at 2:0.
Late Free-Kick Not Enough
Vienna finally found the net in stoppage time through a well-placed free kick by Gutmann. However, the late goal came too late to change the outcome, and Sturm Graz secured a 2:1 victory.
Despite an energetic performance, Vienna had to accept defeat at the end of the match.
