The Berner Firmencup took on a new format this year, with the entire tournament played in a single day. Eight teams were split into two groups of four, each playing three fast-paced 30-minute matches. With only the top two teams from each group advancing to the semifinals, the condensed schedule placed a premium on attacking efficiency.
Drawn into a competitive group alongside SV Wander, SC ewb 22, and SV Eisenbahner Bern, FC EDA approached the tournament with defensive discipline. Their opening match against SV Wander ended in a hard-fought 0–0 draw, with much of the play occurring in EDA’s half. Marc proved instrumental, making several key saves to keep the score level, while EDA showed flashes of attacking intent down the flanks but struggled to create clear chances. The second match against SC ewb 22 saw a more proactive EDA side, controlling possession and crafting opportunities through the likes of Oli, Aron, and Till. Haris came closest to scoring, denied both on a breakaway by a last ditch tackle and from distance, but the match ultimately finished goalless. In their final group game against SV Eisenbahner Bern, the stakes were clear: a win was needed to progress. Despite a strong defensive showing and another crucial palm save from Marc to push the goalward shot beyond the post, EDA couldn’t find the breakthrough, with late attacking efforts falling short in yet another 0–0 draw.
After three matches, FC EDA remained unbeaten and had yet to concede a goal—but the lack of scoring proved decisive, leaving them just short of a place in the knockout rounds. In a fitting twist, SV Wander—who had been held by EDA in the opening game—went on to claim the tournament title.
Nick Ludwig
