Finals Series Round 3 Preview – Women’s State League

Sunday sees Premiers APIA Leichhardt Tigers taking on UNSW for a Grand Final spot alongside SD Raiders FC in the solitary game in the Women’s State League.

In what shapes as the biggest game of the year for both these clubs a grand final spot is what awaits the winner while the loser will be pondering on what could have been.

APIA Leichhardt Tigers FC will be keen to bounce back from the disappointment of losing to the SD Raiders FC last week as they found themselves out enthused and out worked for the 90 minutes by a committed and determined Raiders outfit.

UNSW on the other hand won a thriller against St George FC which was decided by an extra time goal two minutes from time by hat-trick hero Yadira Rengifo.

UNSW will take plenty of confidence into this contest after last week’s win.

UNSW though will be conscious that last time these two teams met APIA ran out 5-0 victors which the side will be hoping to turn around this time around.

The game promises to be open and attacking as both sides like to play high tempo attractive football.

The ability of both sides to find the back of the net has been evident throughout the year with APIA piling on 83 goals in the regular season while in Rengifo, UNSW have themselves an always dangerous and effective front player.

UNSW coach Renato Jelen will be aware of the challenge facing his side and will be conscious of an APIA team which will be determined to bounce back. Jelen though will be confident his team can both nullify APIAs attack and create enough chances to be able to record a positive result.

APIA coach Matteo Maiorana will have his team ready for yet another tough battle and will be hoping his team can respond in a more positive way than last week. APIA will also be firmly focused on ending their season on a high with the hopes of capturing the double after taking out the 2017 Premiership.

APIA Leichhardt Tigers FC vs UNSW, Sunday 10th August 6.45pm, Lambert Park

-By Sebastian Kalos