SELECT Futsal Premier League 2 – Round 2 Preview
All eight sides have got themselves warmed up, now we head into the second weekend of SELECT Futsal Premier League 2 fixtures, with those who were victorious looking to build on that momentum whilst the defeated try to bounce back.
Let’s get onto the preview!
Fixture of the Week: SD Raiders vs West City Crusaders, Saturday 6 October, 5:10pm, Fairfield Youth and Leisure Centre
Fresh from their opening night demolition, SD Raiders host their first game against fellow promoted side West City Crusaders, Saturday afternoon at Fairfield Youth and Leisure Centre.
SD Raiders made a huge statement in their 9-3 victory, sharing around the scoring whilst West City Crusaders were valiant in their 3-2 loss to Phoenix Futsal Club.
The Raiders showed last week they have scoring throughout their roster. Bruno Antelmi starred with his brace, and in the possible absence of Patrick Antelmi, he will pull the strings alongside Sebastian Malfara.
For West City Crusaders, they have some firepower in their ranks – Greg Kondek s an experienced head around a talented squad which included James Mawein, fresh of a brace last weekend makes for a mouth-watering contest.
Last year in the State League, these two played out a frantic 5-5 draw then a five-goal thriller later that season, add in the Grand Final and we’re set for a entertaining evening of Futsal in Sydney’s south-west.
South Coast Taipans vs Boomerangs FS, Saturday 6 October, 4:50pm, UOW Sports Hub
Two sides searching for their first victory clash down at UOW Sports Hub, as South Coast Taipans welcome Boomerangs FS for the opening fixture of the weekend.
Boomerangs weren’t able to make their first half dominance pay as they settled for a 1-1 draw against Raiders Futsal Club whilst South Coast Taipans fought hard but fell 6-3 to a rampant Sydney City Eagles.
The visitor’s coach, Nick Van Aalst was buoyed by his side’s performance despite the draw, they created enough opportunities and combined well. Just need to turn those into goals against South Coast Taipans on the weekend.
South Coast Taipans showed glimpses of promise against Sydney City. Kyle Del scored a wonderful volley and his combination with Matthew Mazevski will be crucial to the Taipans chances against Boomerangs this weekend.
Raiders Futsal vs Phoenix Futsal Club, Saturday 6 October, 5:50pm, Thomas Hassell Anglican College
Raiders Futsal Club will aim to get their season off the mark, as Phoenix Futsal Club make the trip to Thomas Hassell Anglican College in the SELECT Futsal Premier League 2 round two.
Both these sides were amongst the top of the division last season, Phoenix finished in third position while Raiders just missed out on the finals due to a mishap, finishing fifth. The two split the regular season meetings – Phoenix dominated 9-1 at home then Raiders Futsal snuck home 4-3 – later in the season.
Phoenix have a plethora of attacking talent – including last season’s top scorer, Angus Chance, alongside Joshua Mathie (who scored a brace) and Jordan Smylie makes for a daunting prospect for Raiders Futsal Club.
The home side will want to build on their opening night point, as coach Goran Ljuboja searches for the Raiders to go one better from 2017 and make their mark with finals football! That starts Saturday evening against Phoenix Futsal Club.
Sydney City Eagles vs Sydney Futsal Club, Saturday 6 October, 7:20pm, The Centre – Dural
Sydney City Eagles look to build on their opening day success, they welcome Sydney Futsal Club to The Centre in Dural to round off this weekend’s SELECT Futsal Premier League 2 fixtures.
Matthew Trotter steered the Eagles around in their 6-3 performance. He scored twice himself, setting up another. The Eagles overcame the slow start and a short bench to get their campaign off to the perfect start.
Now the Eagles have a second home fixture, with some returning faces against a Sydney Futsal Club side that had torrid first weekend, being shelled by SD Raiders Futsal. Coach Roy Perre will hope the Eagles can repeat the dose on Saturday evening.
Over the other side, Sydney Futsal Club have to check off the result. They have some talent in their ranks and the experience that binds their squad should produce a bounce back performance from Sydney as they travel to the west.
-By Justin Davies
