Our transfer window proved fruitful, with two of our new signings ready to make an immediate impact in the season opener. Uwe partnered Rudi at the heart of defense, where he proved to be insurmountable throughout the game, while Dirk began on the bench eager for his chance. Known as slow starters in recent years, we reminded ourselves before kick-off that focus, and intensity would be key if we wanted to break this pattern. And we immediately turned our plans into action. From the first whistle on a sweltering Saturday morning, we seized control of the game. After just five minutes, Exiles were unable to clear a corner by TK. The ball found its way back to him and his second cross/shot evaded everyone and found the net: GSOS 1–0 Exiles. Our dominance was briefly interrupted when a defensive mix-up allowed Exiles to score with their first real chance. Stand-in keeper Michael had no chance whatsoever: GSOS 1–1 Exiles. This setback only fuelled our determination. We continued to push forward, and soon afterwards the “Micha Klemm Show” began. His movement and finishing were too much for Exiles to handle. Within 25 minutes he had scored a blistering hat-trick, sending us into a commanding 4–1 lead. Exiles replied with a well-taken free kick to reduce the deficit to 4–2, but just before the break Dirk came off the bench hungry to prove himself. He pounced on another poor clearance after a corner to restore our three-goal cushion: GSOS 5–2 Exiles at half-time. The second half was less eventful, but we continued to dictate play and tempo. David added a towering header from a corner, and Micha capped his extraordinary performance with a fourth goal. A sharp turn around the defender and precise finish past the keeper. Exiles grabbed another late free-kick consolation, leaving the final score at GSOS 7–3 Exiles. A strong all-round performance, a statement debut for our new arrivals, and three points that briefly put us top of the league — the perfect way to begin the new season.

Scorers: Michael Klemm [4x], David Eckhoff, Dirk Grossmann and Thomas Koechli

MOM: Michael Klemm