On the Brink

Lions are hoping to stay afloat in Berlin tonight

Munich, February 24 - When TSV 1860 München travel to the capital city to take on 1.FC Union Berlin tonight, they will not only be playing for 3 points, but for perhaps club survival.

The team came into the 2010-2011 seasons with a goal to be promoted back to the top league of the German Bundesliga.  The Lions actually started off on a positive note, going unbeaten in 10 matches and staying within distance of the promotion playoff.  Slowly, the off-the-pitch troubles crept onto the pitch during the holiday season with a series of losses.  1860 now find themselves closer to the relegation zone than the top of the table and are at risk to drop further.  A Berlin win will catapult them over Munich, with no end to the fall possible.

"It will be a hard match tonight," explained TSV's head coach Reiner Maurer.  "Berlin has a great crowd, and I'm looking forward to the fans sitting right behind me."

Adding to the difficulty level, the club will have to go without top scorer Benny Lauth, who will sit with 5 yellow cards.  Maurer has had some success with filling in the squad due to injuries and suspensions.  18-year-old Kevin Volland stepped in one match a few weeks ago and scored a goal.  "I have seen players come in as substitutes and deliver solid performances," hoped Maurer.  "We need a successful experience to get our self-confidence back.

Game notes: Stefan Aigner scored the lone goal as TSV beat Union 1-0 back on October 3rd... 1860 have 2 wins and a draw against Berlin since they have both been in the 2nd league... Berlin is on a 3-match unbeaten streak of 3 matches.

Simone Sperduto contributed to this article.