Round 1 Preview – Futsal Premier League 2 Open Women’s
The Futsal Premier League 2 Open Womens season is upon us. Eight teams get a fresh start on the long, winding road to see who will be crowned Premiers of the competition. Round 1 offers up some exciting fixtures so let’s get onto the preview!
Match of the Round: Sydney City Eagles vs SD Raiders Futsal, Sunday 22 September, 5:20pm, Michael Clarke Recreation Centre
Two sides that missed finals football last season, Sydney City Eagles and SD Raiders Futsal Club do battle Sunday afternoon at Michael Clarke Recreation Centre.
The Eagles will be primed to get their season soaring quickly after their disappointment of finishing sixth last season. They have retained much of their core but supplemented it with some fresh faces hope to give them a boost into the top four this year.
SD Raiders Futsal retained Bankstown City superstar Vesna Milivojevic, fresh from her Player of the Season gong, ready to lead her side once again. Catherine Cannuli and Vic Guzman bring experience to the squad as they aim to get off to a winning start.
West City Crusaders vs Raiders Futsal Club, Sunday 22 September, 3:50pm, Hawkesbury Indoor Stadium
Runners up Raiders Futsal Club get their campaign rolling again as they visit West City Crusaders at Hawkesbury Indoor Stadium Sunday afternoon.
The visitors were a victory-churning machine last year, 10 wins with 74 goals scored and denied the Premiership by a rampant Boomerangs. Now with them gone, Raiders Futsal Club can stamp their authority against the side they plundered 13 goals against last season.
West City Crusaders finished seventh, well off the pace, last season with three victories and a pair of draws. Taking on Raiders Futsal Club is a big ask first up but the Crusaders showed in spurts last season they can hang with the bigger sides in the competition.
South Coast Taipans vs Dural Warriors, Sunday 22 September, 5:40pm, UOW Sports Hub
Champions South Coast Taipans welcome Dural Warriors to Futsal Premier League 2 for the latter’s maiden voyage into their new surroundings at UOW Sports Hub on Sunday.
South Coast has retained much of the squad which secured that whirlwind extra-time Grand Final victory. Danika Matos will give the Taipans attack the sting again this season, as they aim to defend their crown.
At the other end, Dural Warriors finished bottom in Futsal Premier League 1. Harbouring ambitions to make their return, they have a tough task first up, taking on one of the toughest road trip, but can make a huge statement of intent.
Sydney Futsal Club vs Phoenix Futsal Club, Sunday 22 September, 6:20pm, National Centre of Indigenous Excellence
Finishing off the weekend is an intriguing fixture with Sydney Futsal Club hosting Phoenix Futsal Club in the night cap at the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence Sunday night.
The only way is up for Sydney Futsal Club. A disappointing season last year saw them finish wooden spooners so the new season brings renewed optimism. There is no better way for them to start than take the scalp of semi-finalists Phoenix Futsal Club.
For Phoenix Futsal Club, they will want to want to continue where they left off in 2018-19. Third was a good achievement behind the two powerhouses last season, now with one gone Phoenix can slide into that spot and start their season with a big win.
By Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)
