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GC Herren 1: Grasshoppers 1st Team back in NLA Masters Action

Grasshopper Club Zürich - HC Olten --- 2:2 (5:4 n.P.)

Grasshoppers announced their return to the NLA Masters league with a draw and a bonus point shoot-out win against Olten in a keenly fought contest.

The Zurich club have been elevated back into Switzerland’s premier league after a successful and undefeated NLA Challenger campaign. This new season-segment coincided with the appointment of promising new coach Facundo Quiroga from Argentina who had his hand in securing the points.

The game started tentatively with limited opportunities to progress forward for either side. Olten and Grasshoppers were both happy keeping the ball in their backlines against two strong presses. However, as the quarter went on, some holes started to appear from both sides but chances remained limited.

The second quarter saw some more chances for both teams, GC’s best falling to the peoples champion; Jasper van Tilburg who was unfortunate not to score when he volleyed the ball just wide. With good opportunities at either end a rarity, it was Olten who took the initiative with a well worked goal coming from their defence who worked the ball out to the Olten winger and drove into the D ultimately to find his fellow team mate to slot home.

Grasshoppers whilst down at half time didn’t panic and reacted well when they drew back level early in the third quarter when captain Fabian Steiner strode forward with the ball and won a penalty corner after being impeded. The dangerous Fabio Landtwing then converted the ensuing corner with a low drag flick down to the goalkeepers right. The home team continued to fight but a mistake in the defensive line saw a penalty flick awarded which Fabian Starsich was close to stopping.

Grasshoppers continued to play their hockey and drew level again late in the fourth quarter when man of the match Hein Van der Weide played a perfect through ball for Benjamin Eddy to finish over the diving Olten goalkeeper. Both sides had half chances to secure the three points but honours ended even during the regular 70 minutes.

The bonus point was won after a 3 to 2 shoot out win with David Roegiers, Roman Richner and Sven Heinrichs scoring their shuffles.

Grasshoppers next face Rotweiss Wettingen on Sunday 13th of October, 14:00hrs in Wettingen.

GC Players: Fabian Starsich, Hein, Jochen, Roman, Fabio Landtwing, Fabian Steiner, Ben, Sven, Dave, Lukas Müller, Oli, Lukas Hegner, Michele, Jasper

Coach: Facundo Quiroga

Goals: Fabio Landtwing, Benjamin Eddy
Shootout Goals: David Roegiers, Roman Richner, Sven Hinrichs