SV Darmstadt 98’s U21 team has made a successful start to the new Lotto Hessenliga season. On Sunday afternoon (August 2nd), the "Young Lilies" secured a 1-5 (0-1) victory away at CSC 03 Kassel. After a controlled first half, the Lilies asserted their dominance in the second period through clinical transition play.
The „Young Lilies“ took control of the game right from the start but initially struggled to generate the necessary attacking thrust in the final third on a pitch that was difficult to play on. The hosts had the first notable chance, threatening the Darmstadt goal following a counter-attack. As the match progressed, the U21s continued to dictate play, though clear-cut scoring opportunities remained scarce. Ten minutes before the break, the team finally reaped the rewards for their efforts: following a low cross from the right, Vincent Hofer scored from about eight metres out to make it 1–0 (35′). In the period leading up to the half-time whistle, the Lilies played somewhat more passively and only rarely managed to break free from the pressure.
After the break, the match opened up significantly, a shift that played into the hands of the „Young Lilies.“ The team repeatedly exploited the extra space to launch dangerous counter-attacks. Marcello Maier extended the lead to 2–0 with a long-range shot (51st minute), and just a minute later, Vincent Hofer netted his second goal of the day (52nd) following a turnover on the wing and a cross from the left. Maier also bagged a brace, scoring on the counter to make it 4–0 (83rd). Japhet Volkmann scored Darmstadt’s fifth goal after receiving a cross from Leonard Fenyoe—a play that had also originated from a turnover. Kassel’s Toni Lecke rounded off the scoring, heading in from a corner to set the final score at 1–5.
U21 head coach Patrick Kurt felt the margin of the opening victory was deserved: „It was the tough match we expected against a very physical and difficult opponent. On a pitch that was hard to play on, we initially struggled to pick up the tempo and made a few technical errors in the final third, which limited our clear-cut chances. However, the game opened up in the second half, allowing us to create numerous opportunities, so overall, the win is absolutely deserved.“
Despite the clear success, the „Young Lilies“ still see room for development in the coming weeks. „Overall, we are satisfied with the season opener, but the match also revealed areas where we want to keep improving across all phases of the game.“
The next opportunity to do so comes this Saturday (August 8, 6pm), when the U21s host SV Rot-Weiß Hadamar.
Line-Up: Börner – Meier, Kunstmann (Hartelt, 79′), Schlosser (Makwaya, 89′), Steineck, Hofer (Volkmann, 84′), Dos Santos Pereira (Fenyoe, 75′), Ballmert, Schnerring (Maier, 46′), Stark, Pfister
The RMV combined ticket remains free of charge with the stadium ticket. However, day tickets and digital WirLilien tickets will now require a separate digital request before each home game. All information about the new procedure can be found here.
On Matchday 4 of the 2026/27 2. Bundesliga season, Darmstadt 98 will be in action in Rhineland-Palatinate. At the Fritz-Walter-Stadion, SV 98 will face 1. FC Kaiserslautern in their second away game of the season. Here's how you can be there: Member pre-sale tickets for this match start this coming Friday (August 7th) at 12 noon – both online and at the ticket office at the Merck-Stadion.
This week, Darmstadt 98's focus is entirely on the start of the new season. However, there was plenty going on around the first team: while numerous children were introduced to various sports at the second recreational sports camp, sporting director Paul Fernie answered questions from the media. All the latest news from SV Darmstadt 98 can be found, as usual, in "Lilies Across the Board".
Stream all Darmstadt 98 matches in the 2nd Bundesliga and the DFB Cup live with Sky Sport on WOW!
Once again this season, our premium partner ENTEGA is creating unique stadium experiences. For every home match, you can win two VIP fan seats in the main stand and also gain access to the ENTEGA VIP Lounge. The application deadline for the match against Kiel is Thursday (August 6th) at 12pm.
SV Darmstadt 98 and English second-division side Portsmouth played out a goalless draw in their final warm-up match before the official start of the season.
The "Lilies'" matchday attire for away games has been finalised: SV Darmstadt 98 will take the field in the new season wearing away jerseys made of cream-colored mesh fabric, incorporating design elements from the home shirt.
Patrick Kurt has been working in the youth setup at SV Darmstadt 98 since 2016. This summer, the former U19 coach took charge of the U21 squad, with the aim of integrating the "Young Lilies" into men's football and preparing them for the professional game. Ahead of the season opener against CSC Kassel, Kurt discusses his development as a coach, his new role, and the importance of experienced leaders within the team.
On Saturday (August 1 at 2pm), SV Darmstadt 98 hosts the English second-division club Portsmouth and asks you to take note of the following information.
Around 8,500 kilometres separate Darmstadt and Seoul, while the Lilien will cover more than 12,000 kilometres during their 17 away matches in the 2026/27 second-division season—and sometimes, just a few laps on a 400-metre velodrome are enough to get a story moving. No matter how varied these distances may be, this week they all lead to the "Bölle." SV 98 is welcoming South Korean player Hojae Lee to Darmstadt; on Friday (July 31st) at 10am, the Lilien will unveil their new away kit for their travels across the country; and the "second 'second team'" looks back on a successful friendly match at a truly unique venue. "Lilies Across the Board" brings you all the latest news from life at SV 98.
SV 98 has found the reinforcement it was looking for to fill the centre-forward position. Hojae Lee is joining the club at the Böllenfalltor from the South Korean top-flight side Pohang Steelers.
It is worth heading to the "Bölle" even before kick-off for the Lilien's friendly match against Portsmouth FC on Saturday (August 1st): when the stadium opens at 12pm, the "Trinkhalle am Bölle" in the north wing of the main stand will celebrate its debut and open its doors to all stadium visitors.