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The Bayern Munich Frauen opened up their Frauen-Bundesliga campaign with an impressive 1-1 draw against FFC Frankfurt. Six starters for Bayern joined the team during the most recent transfer window, and they made an immediate impact. Bayern was the stronger side for most of the match and is off to a good start for the season.
The game started with Frankfurt having multiple chances including a corner kick in just the second minute that was cleared by defender Raffaella Manieri. Frankfurt kept putting on pressure and took a 1-0 lead in the seventh minute with a goal from Mandy Islacker.
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Momentum changed almost immediately after the goal, as Bayern got inside the box in the ninth minute but could not get a good shot off. Forward Eunice Beckmann had an excellent opportunity in the 11th minute when a Frankfurt defender slipped on the wet grass and gave Beckmann a clear chance. Unfortunately, her shot went over the crossbar.
After numerous chances, Bayern finally broke through in the 28th minute with a goal from Beckmann. It came on a free kick from 19 meters out to tie the game.
Bayern earned another free kick in the 31st minute, which was taken by team captain Melanie Behringer. However, she could not convert on the chance, and her shot went just to the left of the goal. Katie Stengel had a great chance in the 39th minute with an on target header, but it was pushed out by Frankfurt's goalie for a corner.
The second half saw Frankfurt have more chances, including a corner kick in the 68th minute that hit the post. Bayern had less chances in the second half and Frankfurt had an opportunity in the 89th minute that was cleared.
Bayern had a busy summer with many players leaving and plenty of new faces coming. With six of the eleven starters today being new to the squad, it is clear that this is a different Bayern team and a stronger one. Earning a point against last seasons Frauen-Bundesliga runner-up is a good way to start the season. Frankfurt finished last season 14 points ahead of Bayern, but for most of the match Bayern was the better team today. Bayern had multiple chances in a short period of time and earned a well deserved point.
The reds return to the field next Sunday to face SC Freiburg, who finished last season in eighth place.