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
On Sunday, the Lilies face a challenge in Baden: for the 8th matchday, SV Darmstadt 98 travel to take on Karlsruher SC. At the pre-match press conference, our head coach discussed the squad situation, the qualities of the opposition, and the team's motivation to get back to winning ways on the road.
On Sunday (October 18th), SV Darmstadt 98 will visit Karlsruher SC. KSC has a history that extends well beyond the confines of German football: the club from Baden once caused a stir on the European stage, writing a chapter that is still remembered today. But how did KSC manage to step into the international spotlight, and what made this success so special?
The next away match is coming up: this Sunday (October 18th, 1:30pm), the Lilien will visit Karlsruher SC for the 8th matchday of the 2. Bundesliga. As always, you can find all the essential information regarding travel and your visit to the stadium in the fan guidelines.
SV Darmstadt 98 invites all its members to come to the Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor on November 1st, 2026, starting at 11:30am. Together, we aim to once again create the largest team photo in our club’s history—with the professional players in the front and the entire Lilies family behind them.
On Sunday (Oct 18th), SV Darmstadt 98 will visit Karlsruher SC. The side from Baden differs from the Lilies in several key respects. Furthermore, the match will see SV 98 cross paths with a former player once again. Find out here about other connections between the two clubs, as well as some particularly interesting statistics ahead of the encounter.
On Tuesday evening (October 13th), the SilberLilien took part in SV Darmstadt 98’s Stolperstein tour for the first time. Along the approximately six-kilometre route, the participants made several stops to learn more about the fates of Jewish club members who were persecuted and driven out during the Holocaust.
From new grassroots sports offerings and a look back at the club's history to birthdays and the latest updates from the media briefing—there is plenty to report from SV Darmstadt 98 again this week. In "Lilien Across the Board," we round up the news, insights, and stories from life at the club.
Tickets for the home match against 1. FC Heidenheim on November 22nd are available for purchase now.
SV Darmstadt 98's U21 team proved their mettle at home against KSV Hessen Kassel II in the Hessenliga on Sunday (Oct. 11th). After a convincing 90-minute performance, the Young Lilies secured another three points, finishing with a decisive 4–0 victory that lifts them to sixth place in the standings.
The Lilies overturned an early deficit to celebrate a 3–1 home victory against Energie Cottbus—a win that boosts confidence and confirms the progress being made. Read our analysis to find out why there is still work to be done and what positives SV 98 takes away from the match.
This season, too, Lilien fans will be doubly rewarded for every home goal scored by SV Darmstadt 98. In addition to the joy and excitement of the goals, the team's supporters will receive 98 litres of Krombacher Pils for every home goal scored by Darmstadt at the Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor.
After the international break, Darmstadt 98 returned to the Bölle with a home win! Against Energie Cottbus, SV Darmstadt 98 put on a spirited performance in front of their home crowd and rewarded themselves with three points after an intense match. We've compiled the post-match reactions for you here: