The FC Schalke 04 U23s drew in their last test match before the start of the Regionalliga. Pierre-Michel Lasogga scored a brace.

First the 3:3 against Greifswalder FC a week ago, now a 2:2 against Kickers Offenbach. FC Schalke 04’s U23s have ended their preparation for the upcoming season in the Regionalliga West with two high-scoring draws.

With the draw against Offenbach this Saturday, coach Jakob Fimpel’s team had a successful dress rehearsal, at least on paper. OFC is considered to be one of the favourites for promotion in the south-west division and has made some big-name additions this summer, signing Christian Neidhart, former coach of Rot-Weiss Essen.

With Pierre-Michel Lasogga, Schalke’s second team also presented a prominent new acquisition a few weeks ago. The former Bundesliga striker proved in Offenbach that he still knows where the goal is. The 31-year-old scored both goals for the Königsblauen. He was already successful last week against Greifswald.

After a good half hour (33rd) Lasogga equalised the Offenbach lead through Mike Feigenspan (17th). Only two minutes later, the ex-Hamburger was successful again and scored the 2:1 (35.). Shortly after the start of the second period, OFC player Marcos Alvarez scored the final goal (50th).

Schalke: U23 starts against 1. FC Bocholt

In addition, S04 goalkeeper Justin Treichel distinguished himself. The young goalkeeper saved a penalty kick and secured the draw for his team. Keke Topp was also part of the starting eleven. The 19-year-old striker had completed the preparation with the second division team, but now played for the reserve team – and not in the test of the professionals against FC Twente in the arena, which also ended 2:2.

The Schalke team now has a week to prepare for the start of the Regionalliga season. The season begins for them with the home match against 1. FC Bocholt next Saturday (29 July, 2 p.m., RS-Liveticker).