SELECT Futsal Premier League 2 – Round 8 Open Women’s Preview

The top four all clash this weekend, as another fantastic round of Futsal action will light up courts across the state, as the teams remaining in the middle of the pack, try to start their run to the promise land of finals football.

Match of the Round: West City Crusaders vs Phoenix Futsal Club, Saturday 17 November, 4:50pm, Hawkesbury Indoor Stadium

This week’s Match of the Round makes a trip to Windsor, as West City Crusaders welcome fifth place Phoenix Futsal Club to Hawkesbury Indoor Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The Crusaders had their good run cut to pieces, by the buzz saw that is Boomerangs FS, in a 9-1 thrashing down in the nation’s capital, whilst Phoenix Futsal fell to a third straight loss against SD Raiders, 6-2.

After their bright start, Phoenix Futsal has lost four of their last five games, and need to get themselves back on track to avoid the season totally derailing. A game against the stout Crusaders is a tough ask, and they will lean on Isobel Gomez and Hannah Mcnulty to try to end this losing run.

For the Crusaders, they have been in a purple patch bar their defeat to the rampaging Boomerangs. They picked up seven points in the last month, helped by the form of Christine Granero with three goals and Dione King, as they look to continue the Phoenix’s woes in this week’s Match of the Round.

SD Raiders vs Sydney Futsal Club, Saturday 17 November, 4:10pm, Fairfield Youth & Leisure Centre

SD Raiders aim to sweep the season series with lowly Sydney Futsal Club, Saturday afternoon as they host the bottom side at Fairfield Youth & Leisure Centre.

It has been a downbeat season thus far for Sydney, they conceded eight last week against South Coast Taipans in their latest defeat, while SD Raiders picked up their second win of the season, 6-2 against Phoenix Futsal Club.

Vesna Milivojevic stole the headlines last week, for the shorthanded SD Raiders, scoring four goals to take her tally to nine for the season. That result put them in the traffic jam that is mid-table, and a result against the bottom of the table, Sydney Futsal will break them free.

Sydney Futsal Club need to find some joy. They are low on confidence and goals, but if they can find their rhythm, and possibly take the scalp of SD Raiders Futsal, it could be the catalyst for a late season revival.

South Coast Taipans vs Sydney City Eagles, Saturday 17 November, 4:40pm, UOW Sports Hub

In another important match up for the final’s makeup, third placed South Coast Taipans host Sydney City Eagles in a crucial game at UOW Sports Hub on Saturday afternoon.

South Coast come into the contest off an 8-2 drubbing of Sydney Futsal Club, for their first win in three weeks. For the Eagles, they battled hard but fell to the arsenal of Raiders Futsal Club, 6-2 as they cling onto fourth spot.

They seem to have found their groove again. Danika Matos netted four times, giving the Taipans further options alongside Danielle Wise, as they look to secure back-to-back victories and push themselves closer to the top two and deal a blow to a close rival.

The Eagles welcome back their talisman in Jessica Beale this weekend, to pair with Tameeka Thomson up top as they face the offensive powerhouse that is the Taipans. Eagles took the spoils in the first contest 4-3 so we’re set up for an open and exciting game Saturday afternoon.

Boomerangs FS vs Raiders Futsal Club, Saturday 17 November, 5:20pm, AIS Training Halls

The old adage of saving the best for last rings true as we have a top of the table clash to finish off Round 8, as Raiders Futsal Club travel down to Canberra, looking to topple the leaders at AIS Training Halls.

This clash has been earmarked for a fortnight by Boomerangs FS coach, Kristian Collins, as the biggest test for the top of the table side. They walloped nine past West City Crusaders last week to remain three points clear of Raiders Futsal on the table.

Since their opening weekend defeat to this weekend’s hosts, Raiders Futsal have been on a tear. They have scored 40 goals in their six -game win-streak, led by Cassidy Chidgey and Hannah Voloder, but their unselfish spirit and team work has helped them to get ready for this top of the table clash.

Boomerangs FS know this game is important in choosing the destination of the Premiership. They have spread their goals around the side, Ellen Brown and Grace Basser-Silk lead the count but are ably assisted by Stella De Marco, Michaela Day and Madeleine Perceval so we’re set for an attacking contest between the top best sides in the competition.

-By Justin Davies