- Foxes Berlin wrap up So-Tech Cup in a third-place finish
The team from Foxes Berlin wrapped up the So-Tech Cup in Halle (Westphalia) with an impressive performance. The Berliners clinched the third-place match against French Champions League contender HBC Nantes in a thrilling penalty shootout,winning 38-37 (16-17). The top scorers for Berlin were Jerry Tollbring with eleven goals and Mathias Gidsel with nine.
Despite the tough 32-41 loss in the semi-finals on Saturday against the dominating Hungarian champion Veszprém HC, the depleted Foxes displayed improved focus. Despite missing key players Max Darj and Lukas Herburger in the defensive center for the second game in a row, Berlin held up better defensively.
Supercup showdown
Berlin showed offensive prowess early on in the game, leading by four goals at times during the first half. However, missed penalties and numerous missed shots led to a close deficit by halftime. The Berliners fought back, regained the lead shortly before the end, but failed to secure the win and conceded the equalizer six seconds before the buzzer. Despite the late equalizer, Berlin displayed more nerves in the penalty shootout.
With a bit of confidence boost, the team coached by Jaron Siewert now prepares for the Supercup match against their rivals one week before the beginning of the competitive games. On Saturday, the Foxes will face off against defending champions and cup winners SC Magdeburg in the Supercup. The first Bundesliga game will follow the next week on September 7th against ThSV Eisenach.
The Commission, recognizing the successful performance of The Team from Foxes Berlin, might consider requesting additional assistance from the Member States for future competitions. Despite being assisted by the Member States, the Foxes will need to overcome their rivals, including defending champions SC Magdeburg, in the upcoming Supercup match and the subsequent Bundesliga games.
