Round 3 Preview – Futsal Premier League 2 Open Women’s
The Futsal Premier League 2 competition is more congested than peak hour travel in Sydney but Round 3 offers a chance for sides to start breaking away from the pack. There are four action-packed contests to enjoy for the upcoming weekend.
Match of the Round: SD Raiders Futsal vs West City Crusaders, Saturday 5 October, 3:20pm, Fairfield Youth and Leisure Centre
Two mid-table clubs in SD Raiders Futsal and West City Crusaders clash at Fairfield Youth and Leisure Centre this weekend looking to break into the front pack.
Both sides are coming off losses in their last start. SD Raiders Futsal were undone by a last second equaliser from Mia Conners and Raiders Futsal Club while Crusaders fell 5-3 to Sydney Futsal Club at home.
The Crusaders were brought back to earth after their first up scalp of Raiders Futsal Club with their loss but the confidence will still be flowing through them. They have had six different scorers in their two games thus far and against the top scorers of the competition, it is going to be a wild and open contest.
There are small margins in futsal, SD Raiders Futsal could be top of the tree if not for Conners late winner but they have shown they are able to dust themselves off quickly. The bounce from their first home game might enough to urge them onto victory in a crucial clash.
Dural Warriors vs Sydney Futsal Club, Saturday 5 October, 3:50pm, The Centre – Dural
Sat at the head of the competition table, Dural Warriors aim to keep their unbeaten start going with the visit of Sydney Futsal Club to The Centre – Dural on Saturday afternoon.
The Warriors had their shooting boots on against Phoenix Futsal Club, triumphing 6-1 to remain in the thick of the action at the top. Sydney Futsal Club were impressive in the first win of the season, 5-3, against West City Crusaders.
For Sydney Futsal Club, they have achieved one goal already this season, surpassing their total from last season. They have found a consistent route to goal through Jess Meads and Morgan Maxwell and can further cement their start with the scalp of the leaders.
Dural though, will be a tough nut to crack. The Warriors were patient, compact and controlled the ball against Phoenix so makes it tough to find openings. Once they find the opening, there is Emma Hurley et all to find the back of the net.
South Coast Taipans vs Phoenix Futsal Club, Saturday 5 October, 3:50pm, UOW Sports Hub
The Taipans look to finish their three-week homestand with a bright result as Phoenix Futsal Club make the trip to UOW Sports Hub on Saturday afternoon.
Last year’s Champions underlined their desire to repeat with a comfortable 4-nil result against Sydney City Eagles whilst Phoenix Futsal Club held their own but fell by the side of the talented Dural Warriors 6-1 in last week’s Match of the Round.
Danielle Wise made some instant impact in her short stay with South Coast Taipans, nailed home a brace alongside Danika Matos’ first two of the season gave them a sting. Bobby Mazevski has the side performing to a high standard that could see them challenge again this season.
Phoenix Futsal Club currently sit in seventh, but there was definite bright spots to take from their loss to Dural Warriors. Both Isobel Gomez and Naomi Majok created enough chances and if they can turn those into goals, they could hand Taipans their first defeat.
Sydney City Eagles vs Raiders Futsal Club, Saturday 5 October, 4:30pm, Michael Clarke Recreation Centre
Sixth takes on Eighth as both Sydney City Eagles and Raiders Futsal Club aim to move themselves off the lower reaches of the competition ladder on Saturday afternoon at Michael Clarke Recreation Centre.
The visitors come into the contest off the thrilling high of a late winner against local rivals SD Raiders Futsal, 5-4 to kickstart their season. The Eagles remained bottom after their loss to South Coast Taipans down the coast.
Recovering from their shock loss first up, Raiders Futsal Club showed their mettle with their show against SD Raiders Futsal. They got back to their goalscoring best with mainstays Mia Conners, Sophia Hamilton and Tamsin Buchanan all finding the back of the net and if they replicate it it could be back-to-back successes.
Whilst the Eagles remain in eighth, they have talent through their squad to soar up the table. Jessica Beale leads the charge for them with wonderful support from Montana Bolzan and Melinda Manna, who if they are on their game like in the 9-7 goal fest can collect their first points.
By Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)
