A 2-1 victory marked the farewell match. - Saarbrücken is set to miss out on Kerber's presence.
FC Saarbrücken clinched victory in their last home game of the season, defeating Freiburg II 2:1. The big focus was on the emotional farewells of three players - Luca Kerber (22, transferring to Heidenheim), Marcel Gaus (35, retirement), and goalkeeper Tim Schreiber (22, returning to Leipzig). The fans honored the trio with framed shirts and special gifts before the match.
Although relegated Freiburg had no presents to offer, it wasn't until the second half that Saarbrücken took the lead. Simon Stehle scored, assisted by Kerber, making it 1:0 (58'). Stehle found the back of the net for his eleventh time - he'll be dearly missed by Saarbrücken!
Boné Uaferro sealed the deal with a powerful clearance (74'). Freiburg tried to mount a comeback, with Al Ghaddioui netting a late goal (82'), but it was too little, too late.
Coach Rüdiger Ziehl was delighted: "It feels good we could end this game, which had a few emotional moments, with a win."
During the first half, the game at Saarbrücken's Ludwigspark was a lethargic summer exhibition. It's no surprise that FCS bagged merely seven home wins this campaign - far below their usual standards.
The first action in an otherwise uneventful first half transpired after 23 minutes. Naifi bolted towards goal solo, but hit the ball right over the top.
Neither team had anything to play for in this match. Freiburg had already been relegated, and FCS had blown their chances of promotion in the last fortnight.
Yet, they sought to brighten their awful stats in the second half. Stehle was on the verge of doubling his team's lead (59'), only to be denied by the last defender.
Despite the adversity, strong Freiburg also generated scoring chances. Boeder acrobatically cleared Al Ghaddioui's ball off the line (69'). It summed up Ziehl's team's season well - close calls and near misses.
In the end, Saarbrücken managed to hang on for the win. The grand finale of the league occurs next Saturday (1.30pm) against third-placed Jahn Regensburg.
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Source: symclub.org
