SELECT Futsal Premier League 2 – Round 5 Open Men’s Preview
Round 5 is set for fireworks, as the two undefeated sides in Sydney City Eagles and Phoenix Futsal Club face each other, whilst the rest of the top four also clash.
For the remaining four, it is about finding momentum as the season moves into it’s second month.
Match of the Round: Sydney City Eagles vs Phoenix Futsal Club, Saturday 27 October, 4:30pm, Michael Clarke Recreational Centre
Round five kicks off with bang, as the two undefeated sides collide in an early season marker for their title credentials Saturday afternoon at Michael Clarke Recreation Centre.
Both teams head into the clash on the right note – Sydney City took the long trip to Canberra, returning with a dominant 4-1 victory and similarly, Phoenix battled through a gallant Crusaders side, 4-3 at home.
The Eagles remain a threat across the court – the dual threats of Sam Perre and Peter Pelekanos has helped them to the best attack in the league, now taking on Phoenix with their undefeated tag on the line, it has the potential for an explosive contest.
Headed into this one, Phoenix has done just enough to keep themselves undefeated. They have won all four of their contests by a single goal, so the ‘nix are steeled to rise for the big moments. So we’re set for a massive clash to open a fantastic weekend of futsal.
Boomerangs FS vs SD Raiders, Saturday 27 October, 5:10pm, Fairfield Youth & Leisure Centre
Stung by their home defeat, Boomerangs FS head on the road again, to Fairfield Youth & Leisure Centre to take on a vibrant SD Raiders outfit, in a top four clash.
SD Raiders took home the Raiders Cup after a whirlwind 5-1 against Raiders Futsal whilst it wasn’t home sweet home for Boomerangs, the latest to fall to undefeated Sydney City Eagles, 4-1 down at the AIS Training Halls.
Early this season, SD Raiders were known for their attack (22 goals through four games) but the hallmark of their success last Saturday was their heroic defense. Josh Da Silva was electrifying with his brace, and brought another edge to the prolific attack ready to take on their next test.
Boomerangs FS has shown glimpses of their promise this season, in victory against South Coast and a draw against Sydney Futsal Club. Michael Rinaudo has six strikes for the season, and central to them handing SD Raiders a defeat on their home court.
South Coast Taipans vs Raiders Futsal Club, Saturday 27 October, 5:40pm, UOW Sports Hub
Back home on the coast, South Coast Taipans try to wedge themselves off the foot of the ladder against Raiders Futsal Club in a twilight fixture on Saturday.
Both sides tread lightly into this week off heavy losses; Raiders couldn’t find the mark in their 5-1 loss to SD Raiders and South Coast were put to the sword by West City, 6-1 as their woes continue.
It isn’t all doom and gloom for Raiders. They were bright in their attack, created enough chances for coach Goran Ljuboja to be confident headed into the weekend, against the worst defense in the competition.
For South Coast, it is about picking up some points, and getting some help for Matthew Mazevski in the goalscoring department. Ricky Goodchild helped last weekend, but an overall effort against a close competitor can vault them into the chasing pack.
Sydney Futsal Club vs West City Crusaders, Saturday 27 October, 8:20pm, National Centre for Indigenous Excellence
To round off the weekend, two sides desperate for points go head to head, Sydney Futsal Club host West City Crusaders, as a night cap at the National Centre for Indigenous Excellence Saturday night.
West City Crusaders bounce into this week on a high, hitting South Coast Taipans for six for their first points of the season, Sydney Futsal Club, despite a spirited effort fell 3-2 to the undefeated Phoenix side.
James Mawein is the focal point for West City. Fresh from his hat-trick last weekend, against a porous Sydney defence, he could add to his chase for the top goal scorer title. Crusaders if they can build some results can make their charge up the ladder.
Sydney showed their mettle in their R3 draw and pushed Phoenix all the way last weekend. Nathan Spinola and Anthony Musumeci are their key men alongside Laith Al-Shdifat between the sticks could be the needed formula to create their first win of the season.
-By Justin Davies
