S04 defeat Utrecht in a friendly thanks to a Drexler goal

Daniel Kyerewaa from the U23s was given a chance to impress, starting at left-back for Schalke. After eight minutes, 17-year-old striker Semin Kojic, who has played 12 times for the U19s this season, had to come on for Marvin Pieringer. The first-team striker fell into the Utrecht bench and was forced off injured.

Schalke were on top in the first 45 minutes and went ahead in the first quarter of an hour. Marius Bülter’s cross to the back post found Dominick Drexler and he netted from close range (13’). S04 continued to control the first half, were compact at the back and deservedly led at the break.

Guzy with the chance to make it 2-0

Rodrigo Zalazar replaced goalscorer Dominick Drexler for the second half, which was a more even affair. Mike Büskens brought on a number of academy players during the second period, with Luca Campanile, Arbnor Aliu und Gideon Guzy all getting a run-out. Thomas Ouwejan made his return from injury in the final quarter of an hour. The Dutch wing-back missed the last three league games with muscular problems.

There were few clear-cut chances for both sides in the second half. Ralf Fährmann made a save in the 84th minute to preserve the lead, and, at other end, Gideon Guzy had a chance to make it 2-0. Simon Terodde played it to Rodrigo Zalazar, whose cross found Guzy. The 19-year-old’s header was saved by Utrecht goalkeeper Thijmen Nijhuis and so it finished 1-0 to Schalke.