Borussia Dortmund shocked as Union Berlin player ends 10-year goal drought in victory

Union Berlin once again proved why it's a nightmare to play at the Alte Försterei as a 2-1 win against Borussia Dortmund kept their home unbeaten streak alive and extended the visitor's continued woes away from home this season. It was a hardcore match in which Union proved very well that discipline, team coordination, and resilience can overcome skill and ball possession.

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Union Berlin's collective strength

The real strength of Union Berlin lies not in banking on one or two star players but being able to play as an actual unit. Bo Svensson's team pressed Borussia Dortmund from the very first whistle of the game as if it seemed like the visitors were not able to match that pace. Quick transitions with much-identified high pressing of Union swarmed the visitors.

It did not take long for Union to present an open chance, which the only 33-year-old veteran defender Kevin Vogt took for a penalty. Vogt, who had not scored in the Bundesliga in almost 10 years, did not get flustered with this chance and squarely converted the kick that sent the crowd in a frenzy.

Vogt breaks a 10-year drought

Kevin Vogt isn't exactly known for his finishing, but this goal will surely go down in his memory. His last goal in the Bundesliga also came in 2014, coincidentally against Borussia Dortmund. Destiny repeated itself here in Berlin, and Vogt became the unlikely hero of the match.

When that penalty went in, it left little doubt over the enterprise of Union at every game, a team which never takes a step back from whatever their opponents are. Here came Vogt, seasoned and wiser through experience, enjoying his moment in the glare of spotlights for weeks to come.

Dortmund: another road loss

Borussia Dortmund keep finding it difficult to perform on the road. This was the team's fourth loss to Union in six matches at the Berlin club's stadium. Although Dortmund did have more possession of the ball, there just wasn't enough precision in finishing, and controlling defensive transitions was way off. Julian Ryerson's goal brought some hope, but not enough to turn the tide of events.

It's true that Karim Adeyemi's injury hurt, but it's obvious this isn't the work of one player. Dortmund have simply not managed to assert their game on travels this season, and it's proving costly.

Yorbe Vertessen's second important goal

If Vogt's goal broke the ice, it was Yorbe Vertessen's strike that gave Union Berlin a bit of a cushion. With Dortmund suffering from a lapse in defense, Vertessen extended the lead, and from that moment on, it seemed like Union was cruising to victory. Still, we very well know in soccer, until the final whistle nothing is certain.

Despite Dortmund equalizing with Ryerson's goal, Union held on in the final minutes as its defense tightened. Every time it looked like Dortmund got close, there Union's red wall was in place, blocking the path. The win wasn't easy, but definitely deserved.