SV Darmstadt 98 will use the international break in March 2026 for a trip to San Antonio, Texas. The Lilies will visit Darmstadt’s partner city from March 22-28 and play a friendly match against cooperation partner San Antonio FC (SAFC) on Wednesday, 25 March. The primary focus of the trip is to deepen the already existing ties with the city of San Antonio and SAFC, as well as to build new partnerships and engage in mutual knowledge exchange across various areas.
Markus Pfitzner, Vice President SV 98: „It is truly something special that SV Darmstadt 98 will travel to the USA next year, writing a small piece of history in the process. We are particularly pleased that this trip is part of a relationship that was not artificially created but grew naturally out of the existing partnership between the two cities. Over the past 15 months, our cooperation with San Antonio FC and Spurs Sports and Entertainment has been characterized by close exchange and growing familiarity, and now we are eagerly looking forward to the visit next year. We will take this opportunity to represent our Lilies values overseas. In addition to the friendly match as the sporting highlight, we are excited to meet the local community, build further networks and partnerships, and also become active in the social sphere.“
Martin Kowalewski, Managing Director SV 98: „From the moment we signed the official cooperation agreement in July 2024, both sides envisioned a friendly match in San Antonio. We are very pleased that we have now found a time period that fits both schedules and gives us the opportunity to represent SV Darmstadt 98 in the World Cup year in the DFL’s target market, the USA. This trip represents another milestone in our close collaboration with the city of San Antonio and San Antonio FC. I am convinced that we will be able to use the on-site visit for intensive knowledge exchange and that we can learn a great deal from an organization like Spurs Sports and Entertainment—not only in sports, but also in many areas that are relevant to our club, such as marketing and merchandising.“
The match against San Antonio FC is scheduled for March 25. Additionally, the Lilies will train at the SAFC facilities. Various meetings with representatives of both cities, SAFC, and SS&E are planned, along with cultural and social activities.
SV 98 are working closely on the latest USA trip with the DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga, which supports its clubs to grow the visibility of the Bundesliga globally, as part of an overarching international marketing strategy.
Fans interested in accompanying SV 98 to San Antonio, 22-28 March are welcome to contact fanbeauftragter@sv98.de.
Autographs, photos, and personal encounters with the Lilies: You'll have the opportunity to do so on Thursday (May 7th) from 5pm to 6pm. As part of an autograph session presented by Merck, Patric Pfeiffer, Kai Klefisch, and Fynn Lakenmacher will be at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. You'll also receive a ten percent discount in the fan shop during this time.
Darmstadt's 2-1 defeat at Karlsruher SC also ended any remaining theoretical hopes the South Hessian club had of finishing the season in the top three. The loss at the Wildpark stadium served somewhat as a symbol for the past few weeks, during which SV 98 had only managed one point from five matches since the international break in March. Following the game on Sunday afternoon, the Darmstadt players addressed the assembled media representatives with mixed feelings.
Three points! SV Darmstadt 98's U21 team secured a victory in the Lotto Hessenliga on Saturday afternoon (May 2nd). In their match against Hünfelder SV, the young Lilies overcame an early deficit to clinch a convincing 3-1 win. This result puts the U21 team currently outside the relegation zone. "Our trend is clearly upward," said a delighted U21 coach Sebastian Schmitt.
The successful collaboration between the Hessian Disabled and Rehabilitation Sports Association (HBRS) and SV Darmstadt 98 will continue long-term: Both partners have extended their existing agreement to promote inclusive sports indefinitely. This sends a clear signal for the sustainable development of inclusion and disability sports in Hesse.
A bitter end in Karlsruhe: After 90 entertaining minutes in which both teams sought salvation in attack, Darmstadt suffered a narrow defeat. The final score was 2-1 after a late goal from the home side, following Isac Lidberg's earlier equaliser. After the match, the players were particularly frustrated with the missed opportunities in the first half.
The away form continues to be poor: SV 98 suffered a 2-1 (0-0) defeat against Karlsruher SC. Lidberg scored the equaliser for the team from southern Hesse in the 70th minute.
Darmstadt 98 visit Karlsruher SC on matchday 32 (May 3rd, 1:30 PM). Florian Kohfeldt has made five changes to his starting lineup. Killian Corredor replaces the injured Fraser Hornby, Aleksandar Vukotic comes in for the suspended Patric Pfeiffer, and Fabian Holland starts in place of Matej Maglica, who is sidelined with an ankle injury. Merveille Papela and Niklas Schmidt also join the team, replacing Sergio Lopez and Yosuke Furukawa. In addition to Hornby, Pfeiffer, and Maglica, Darmstadt will also be without the injured Matthias Bader, Fabian Nürnberger, and Luca Marseiler.
Finally, the weekend is here, finally Sunday! On Sunday afternoon (May 3rd, 1:30pm), SV Darmstadt 98 will face Karlsruher SC away. What do the two coaches have to say about the match, who will be refereeing, and where can you watch it if you're not at the stadium? All the important information about the Lilies' 32nd matchday is compiled for you here in "Matchday Guide".
Continuity in sporting management: SV Darmstadt 98 has extended Paul Fernie's contract early and for the long term. As part of the contract extension, the current sporting director will move into the club's management board and will now serve as managing director of sport.
Our head coach spoke at the press conference before the away game against Karlsruher SC (May 3rd/1:30pm) about the mental freshness of his team, the course of action for the remaining games and his coaching colleague, whose commitment to KSC will end after six years this season.
Left hook, 'One hundred and eightyyyyyyy', and hand over the baton. Doesn't sound like football – and that's true. KSC is often associated with professional football, but with the sheer number of titles the club has won, it's worth looking beyond the pitch. Titles from Baden-Württemberg to Rome.
In a rescheduled Lotto Hessenliga match, SV Darmstadt 98's U21 team hosted SV Hummetroth at their youth academy on Wednesday evening (April 29th) but unfortunately came away empty-handed. Despite a spirited performance and playing with one man less, the score after 90 minutes was 3-1 in favour of Hummetroth.