1. FCK ties Hoffenheim 2-2 in hometown match

After an unlucky defeat against Mainz on Sept. 11, 1. FCK played exceptionally well against 1899 Hoffenheim Sept. 18, tying the match 2-2.

As Tobias Sippel manned and defended the goal, Srdjan Lakic and Erwin Hoffer maintained a strong attack line continuously striving for the strike. The defense made up of Leon Jessen, Florian Dick, Martin Amedick and Rodnei worked hard in shielding Sippel and the net from the continuous attempts of the Hoffenheim strikers to infiltrate the zone. The midfield and flanks were guarded by Ivo Ilicevic, Oliver Kirch, Christian Tiffert and Jiri Bilek. In what has become the norm, Ilicevic and Lakic played beautifully, strong and consistent throughout the match. 

The lineup for 1899 Hoffenheim was made up of Daniel Haas (goalkeeper), Andreas Beck (defense), Marvin Compper (defense), Josip Simunic (defense), Isaac Vorsah (defense), Luiz Gustavo (midfield), Sejad Salihovic (midfield), Tobias Weis (midfield), Demba Ba (striker), Peniel Mlapa (striker) and Vedad Ibisevic (striker)
After having served his suspension during the previous match, Ilicevic returned to the field in outstanding form. He played exceptionally well, gracefully sweeping through the Hoffenheim formation. During the second half he suffered a fall that caused the medics to run onto the field and assist him off the field.  Ilicevic received no serious injuries and he returned to the match within minutes.

Lakic was a continuous source of frustration for Hoffenheim, especially for Haas, who was charged with defending the Hoffenheim goal zone. The initial goal was scored by Gustavo from Hoffenheim. Hoffer became the sole scorer for 1. FCK, taking responsibility of both goals. His strenuous efforts paid out and he took the lead on behalf of Kaiserslautern during the second half. Unfortunately, the lead quickly became a tie when Gylfi Sigurdson invaded Sippel’s space and scored Hoffenheim’s second goal. 

The Red Devils will host Hannover 96 at 5:30 p.m. Sunday at Fritz Walter Stadium in Kaiserslautern. Tickets are available online at www.fck.de or at the stadium’s fan shop.