SL - GCZ --- 3:4
Away in Lausanne, we knew we were facing a side that can be difficult to break down, regardless of their place in the table. While results have not gone our way in recent weeks, this match was another important step in rebuilding our game and rediscovering the quality that has defined us in the past. The intensity was there throughout — what we lacked at times was composure and precision on the ball.
We started brightly and took the lead through a well-executed move. A long aerial found Artur in space, and he showed great awareness to play a precise pass across goal for Imi, who was there to guide it in for 1:0. It was a strong start and the kind of simple, effective hockey we wanted to build on.
Lausanne responded after we lost possession in midfield, allowing them to counter quickly and level the score at 1:1. It was a disappointing goal to concede, especially after controlling large parts of the opening phase.
We regained the lead through Craig, who reacted fastest to a rebound from a short corner and finished well for 2:1. But Lausanne stayed in the game and punished us again, this time converting a short corner of their own to make it 2:2.
The match remained open, and we went ahead for a third time when Artur stepped up to convert a stroke with confidence for 3:2. Once again, however, we allowed Lausanne back into the game. What looked like a harmless situation in the circle was kept alive, and they managed to force the ball over the line for 3:3 just before halftime.
At the break, the feeling was mixed. We had shown the right intensity and commitment, but we were not clean enough on the ball and made life harder for ourselves than necessary.
The third quarter brought the breakthrough we needed. A dangerous ball played into the circle created pressure in front of goal and was ultimately deflected in by the Lausanne goalkeeper, restoring our lead at 4:3.
From there, we continued to push and created enough moments to put the game to bed, but we could not find the final bit of quality to finish it off. In the fourth quarter, we had the chance to seal the result from the spot, but the stroke was missed, keeping the game alive until the final whistle.
In the end, it was a deserved 4:3 win in Lausanne. There were positive signs: the work rate, the energy, and the willingness to compete were all there. Just as clear, though, is where we still need to improve. We played with intensity, but not always with enough quality on the stick. As we continue rebuilding our game, this was another step forward — not perfect, but progress.
Scorers: Craig (2), Imi, Artur
Squad: Philip (GK), Clement, Flufy, Tina, Joel, Jakob, Oli, Roman, Fabian, Ben, Craig, Lucas, Imi, Artur, Louis, Mischa