SSV Jahn Regensburg vs Vilzing

SSV Jahn Regensburg's pre-season preparations for the 2026/27 3. Liga campaign suffered a setback on Wednesday evening, as the third-tier side lost 2-3 at home to Regionalliga Bayern outfit DJK Vilzing in front of around 600 spectators at Sportpark Kaulbachweg.

The Jahn started brightly and took a deserved lead through Lucas Hermes in the 16th minute, finishing a well-worked move. But the lead lasted only three minutes. Former Weiden striker Erol Özbay levelled for Vilzing in the 19th minute, and Andreas Jünger converted a penalty in the 26th minute to put the visitors 2-1 ahead at the break.

David Philipp, a summer signing from 1860 Munich, dragged the Jahn level in the 59th minute with a beautifully struck direct free kick from just outside the box. But with 13 minutes left, former Jahn striker Markus Ziereis capitalised on a defensive error to slot home the winner, leaving the home side with a third pre-season outing without a win.

Ziereis's 77th-minute winner was the decisive blow — and it came against the run of play. SSV Jahn had dominated possession after the break and pulled level through Philipp, but a misplaced pass in midfield allowed Vilzing to spring a counter-attack. Ziereis, who played for Regensburg between 2017 and 2021, found himself clean through on goalkeeper Max Schmitt and finished coolly. The goal punctured Jahn's momentum; despite pushing for an equaliser, they created no clear chances in the final 13 minutes.

David Philipp (SSV Jahn) — The new signing from 1860 Munich was Jahn's most dangerous outlet. He forced a double chance just before half-time (44', 45') and scored the equaliser with a superb direct free kick in the 59th minute.

Lucas Hermes (SSV Jahn) — Opened the scoring with a composed finish in the 16th minute and had another opportunity from a high turnover in the 30th minute.

Markus Ziereis (Vilzing) — The former Jahn striker scored the winner against his old club, showing poacher's instinct to capitalise on a defensive mistake. He also tested Schmitt with a late header (85').

Andreas Jünger (Vilzing) — Converted the penalty that put Vilzing ahead and was a threat from set pieces throughout.

The provider data shows Jahn as the dominant side in terms of possession and territory, particularly in the second half. But the Jahn's territorial dominance without clinical finishing tells a familiar pre-season story. Vilzing's three goals came from just a handful of shots on target — a conversion rate that flattered the visitors but also punished Jahn's defensive lapses. The penalty (26') and Ziereis's counter-attack goal (77') both stemmed from Jahn errors, not sustained Vilzing pressure.

SSV Jahn have now won two, drawn one and lost two of their five pre-season friendlies since 25 June. With the 3. Liga season starting on the first weekend of August, head coach Sascha Hildmann has three weeks to sharpen his side's defensive organisation and finishing. The Jahn were without Felix Strauss and Malte Karbstein (both dental surgery) and Florian Dietz (shoulder) — all three are expected back soon.

Next up for SSV Jahn is the first round of the Bavarian Toto-Pokal on Saturday 18 July at SG Breitenberg/Sonnen. Their final pre-season friendly is against SSV Ulm 1846 at Kaulbachweg on 1 August.

A tale of Jahn's pre-season so far: enough possession and creativity to suggest the squad has potential, but defensive errors and a lack of ruthlessness in front of goal are costing them. Vilzing, two divisions below, were clinical on the counter and deserved the win. Hildmann will want his first-choice XI on the pitch together soon.