Matchday!

History have been made. The Lilies had played their first game on US soil defeating partner club San Antonio 7-0 (4-0).

The match report is here. 

Representatives from the worlds of sports, politics, and business gathered at the Monarch Hotel on Monday evening. The reception focused primarily on two things: gratitude for what has been achieved so far and anticipation of the friendly match against partner club San Antonio FC.

„Football that unifies.“ This motto is emblazoned on the Lilien’s shirts during their stay in San Antonio—a motto that proved true in various ways during their time in Texas. One such instance occurred on Monday morning, when the SV 98 delegation met with representatives from the municipal government, business sector, and innovation community of both sister cities at the City Tower to discuss their respective economic and technological potential. The gathering was prompted by SV 98’s friendly match against their partner club, San Antonio FC, and the team’s associated visit to Texas. In doing so, the Lilien leveraged the relationships cultivated over recent years to act as a connecting link between Darmstadt and San Antonio.

Following this engagement, the club’s executive board and management met with the players, coaching staff, and support team—an internal expression of „Football that unifies“ that consistently brings the South Hessian traveling party together. The group toured San Antonio’s districts in two buses, following a barge ride the previous day that had allowed them to explore the area along the river. This extensive tour provided further insights and reinforced a lasting impression: San Antonio is a special city.

The city’s local football club is, of course, San Antonio FC. That evening, the Lilies held a public training session at the SAFC stadium. The session was watched by Texas soccer fans who were curious to see the action on the pitch—much like the fans who had travelled from Germany and who would, naturally, also be watching the friendly match between the two teams on Tuesday (September 29). Kick-off is at 7:30pm Texas time; in Germany, the match begins at 2:30am. The game will be broadcast on San Antonio FC’s YouTube channel and via the US broadcaster Fandango.

While attending a San Antonio FC league match on Saturday evening, the Lilien were greeted by one of the most influential executives in NBA history: R.C. Buford, CEO of Spurs Sports & Entertainment, welcomed the club’s board, management, and coaching staff, and used the occasion to set the stage for SV 98’s visit the following day to „The Rock“—the San Antonio Spurs’ performance centre. „We are delighted that you are stopping by The Rock. We look forward to your feedback and, on behalf of the San Antonio Spurs, extend a warm welcome to our city.“

About 15 hours later—and following a two-hour training session in the Texas heat—the moment finally arrived: the squad, staff, and coaching team were granted entry to the hallowed halls of the San Antonio Spurs. Duane Randall, the facility’s General Manager, guided the team from southern Hesse through the impressive, state-of-the-art performance centre. „The Rock“ is just one part of a multi-phase campus spanning roughly 45 acres, featuring the Victory Capital Performance Center, parking areas, and dining facilities, alongside planned spaces for medical, research, hospitality, and office use. The project’s total cost came to $510 million.

The „Lilies“ were given a tour of the Spurs‘ weight room, recovery and physiotherapy areas, the practice court, and the various meeting and lounge spaces. Randall also explained the significance of „Pound the Rock“—the guiding motto for the entire Spurs Sports & Entertainment organisation. It is a message that could well provide strength to the Lilies in their current sporting situation: consistent hard work pays off, even if the results aren’t immediately visible.

SV 98 spent the afternoon out on the San Antonio River. Taking the so-called „Barge Ride“ is an essential part of any visit to the city. From the water, the Darmstadt team gained plenty of impressions of the Texas metropolis and got to know their temporary home even better.

„Birds Up!“ This well-known rallying cry supporting the University of Texas San Antonio football team is traditionally accompanied by a specific hand gesture: the palm faces forward with the three middle fingers curled inward, while the thumb and little finger remain upright—symbolising the head and tail of the roadrunner. As of this Saturday, the Lilies are also familiar with the phrase and the accompanying gesture, having kicked off their first full day in San Antonio by attending the Roadrunners‘ college football game.

The hosts won 59–45 in an action-packed match at the impressive Alamodome. The team from southern Hesse began the day with a special game-day experience: watching the teams warm up from right beside the field, gaining insight into the Roadrunners‘ pre-match routine, and even picking up some team merchandise.

The squad then watched the game itself from the stands, enjoying an excellent view. Marcel Schuhen, an avowed football fan, described it afterwards as a „really cool experience.“

In the afternoon, the players switched from the role of spectators to active participants. At 4:15pm —following a brief warm-up session in the Texas sun at the training grounds of partner club San Antonio FC—they began their first training session in Darmstadt’s partner city. Florian Kohfeldt put his men through their paces for around 90 minutes, with a particular focus on build-up play.

In the evening, the club’s executive board, coaching staff, and members of the team and support staff watched San Antonio FC’s league match against Tampa Bay (which ended 0–0). Beyond the sporting events, Saturday in the Texas metropolis offered numerous opportunities for encounters that foster special bonds within the partnership. To kick things off, the executive board and management team met with—among others—Jose Lizardo (Director of Toyota Field and Star Soccer Complex), Lisa Montoya (Vice Provost, UTSA), Dr. Taylor Eighmy (President, UTSA), Bobby Perez (Chief Legal Officer, Spurs Sports & Entertainment), and R.C. Buford (Chief Executive Officer, Spurs Sports & Entertainment).

Forging new contacts, meeting old friends, and gaining exciting insights—these are key elements and a major source of value for the trip to San Antonio.

Ready, set, go! The Lilies‘ US tour has officially begun. SV 98 touched down on Texas soil at 1:35pm local time. The travelling party landed in Houston before the delegation continued by bus and plane to San Antonio, Darmstadt’s sister city. First success: everyone made it through passport control past the rather stern-looking border guards. The executive board, management, coaching staff, players, and support staff are staying at the Monarch Hotel in downtown San Antonio for the duration of their US trip. On Saturday morning, they will head to the University of Texas at San Antonio to attend an American football game. That afternoon, the first of many gruelling training sessions under the Texas sun is on the agenda. In the evening, a visit to San Antonio FC is scheduled; the partner club is hosting the Tampa Bay Rowdies for a league match.