Union Berlin’s Women’s Team Bolstered for Bundesliga Push
Berlin, Germany – 1. FC Union Berlin’s women’s football team is gearing up for a potential promotion to the prestigious Bundesliga, Germany’s top-flight league. Following a series of key signings and contract extensions during the winter break, the club announced that defender Katja Orschmann has put pen to paper on a new contract. As per the club’s policy, the duration of the contract was not disclosed.
Orschmann, who is currently sidelined with an injury, rejoined Union in January 2023 after her first stint with the club in 2013. Since her return, she has made 33 appearances, contributing to the team’s promotion to the second division last summer. Just a month prior to Orschmann’s contract extension, her twin sister Dina also signed a contract extension with the club.
Union’s aspirations for Bundesliga promotion received a boost with their 2:1 victory in the first match of the new year. They now sit in second place in the standings, trailing leaders Nürnberg by four points. Nürnberg will face Union at the Alte Försterei on Sunday at 15:30 CET.
The top three teams in the league will earn automatic promotion to the Bundesliga, while the fourth-placed team will face a playoff. SV Meppen, currently in fourth place, has a seven-point deficit to Union.
Orschmann’s signing adds experience and depth to an already strong Union team. Her return, along with the other recent additions, sends a clear message of the club’s determination to make a serious run at promotion this season.
Key Additions and Contract Extensions
Alongside Orschmann’s return, Union has made several other significant moves during the winter transfer window:
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Neuzugänge (New Signings):
- Sophie Weidauer (forward), from Borussia Mönchengladbach
- Carlotta Wamser (midfielder), from SC Freiburg
- Merle Barth (defender), from Turbine Potsdam
- Marie-Sophie Eder (defender), from FC Aarau
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Vertragsverlängerungen (Contract Extensions):
- Dina Orschmann (defender)
- Sophie Islacker (midfielder)
- Jessica König (goalkeeper)
These additions and extensions bolster Union’s squad in all areas of the pitch, providing coach Sebastian Middeke with a wide range of options as the team aims for a historic achievement.
Upcoming Fixture: Clash with Nürnberg
Union’s next match is a crucial clash with league leaders Nürnberg on Sunday. Nürnberg has been a formidable opponent this season, sitting atop the standings with an impressive 15 wins in 18 matches.
However, Union will be confident on home soil. They have lost only one of their last six league games at the Alte Försterei, with their only setback coming against title contenders Turbine Potsdam.
A victory over Nürnberg would not only close the gap in the standings but also provide a significant psychological boost to Union’s promotion hopes. With the top three teams set to earn automatic promotion, every point is crucial in the race for the Bundesliga.
