Vienna secure 1–1 draw in Neulengbach
For Vienna, Matchday 6 of the ADMIRAL Women’s Bundesliga led to the Wienerwald to face USV Neulengbach. In an intense encounter with chances on both sides, the Blue-Yellows fought back from an early deficit to earn a 1–1 draw, taking an important point back to Vienna from Lower Austria.
Coach Dobrounig once again relied largely on the lineup that impressed against FC Salzburg the previous week. The only change: Sarac moved into the starting eleven in place of Fankhauser.
Early setback
The start was anything but ideal. As early as the 6th minute, Neulengbach struck: after a long ball forward, Ziletkina broke through and slotted past goalkeeper Piplits to make it 1–0 for the home side.
Vienna respond with attacking drive
Unfazed, Vienna pushed forward themselves. Pfanner created the first dangerous moment when she drove forcefully into the box, but her shot found only the side netting. In the 24th minute, the visitors tried a lofted ball to Kerschbaumer, who shot from a tight angle but narrowly missed. Just three minutes later, Osl fired from distance, but her attempt also went wide.
Dream goal brings the equalizer
In the 32nd minute, the Blue-Yellows were finally rewarded. After a free kick, Höcherl stepped up, curled the ball over the wall, and leveled the score at 1–1 with a beautiful strike.
Flurry of chances before halftime
Minutes later came the next chance: Sarac had a shot after being played in by Pfanner but couldn’t trouble the home goalkeeper. The danger increased in the 41st minute after a long throw-in into the box, when Vienna had several shots blocked by Neulengbach’s committed defense.
Just before the break, Pfanner had the big chance to put Vienna ahead. Clean through on goal, she managed to get a shot off, but the home goalkeeper saved with her foot.
Halftime change
At the break, Coach Dobrounig reacted and brought on Lueger for Höcherl.
Shortly after the restart, Neulengbach created a huge opportunity. A lofted ball over the defense found Ziletkina, who ran clear on Piplits. She fired, but the Vienna keeper stood tall, made herself big, and blocked with her body. The rebound again fell to Ziletkina, but her follow-up went into the side netting.
Match interrupted after referee’s collapse
In the 59th minute, play was halted for a longer period: one of the assistant referees collapsed due to circulatory issues. Vienna wish her a speedy recovery. After a short break, the match continued with a replacement official.
More substitutions on both sides
Soon after, Vienna brought on captain Wasser for Sarac to inject fresh energy. Around 20 minutes from time, the hosts responded with a double substitution, bringing on Dordic and Dorfer.
Few chances after the break
In the second half, Vienna continued to push for the lead and carved out opportunities. One such chance came through Felix, who tried her luck from distance, but the shot missed the target.
No late winner
In the closing stages, Vienna threw on Fankhauser in search of the winner. Despite plenty of effort, the match ended in a 1–1 draw, with Vienna taking a valuable point from Neulengbach.
USV Neulengbach vs. First Vienna FC 1894 1–1 (1–1)
ADMIRAL Women’s Bundesliga, Matchday 6
Saturday, 20 September, 4:00 p.m.
Wienerwaldstadion, 200 spectators
Goals: 1–0 Ziletkina (6’), 1–1 Höcherl (32’)
Vienna lineup: Piplits, Gebert, Schneiderbauer, Osl, Kerschbaumer, Hahn, Felix, Amuchie, Sarac (63’ Wasser), Pfanner (90’ Fankhauser), Höcherl (46’ Lueger)
