Round 9 Preview – Futsal Premier League 2 Open Women’s
Now that the Futsal Premier League 2 Open Womens competition has rounded past the halfway mark, the sprint to the finish line has begun. Outside of the top three, the other spot in the top four are up for grabs in another exciting installment of futsal action.
Match of the Round: Sydney City Eagles vs South Coast Taipans, Saturday 16 November, 5:20pm, Michael Clarke Recreation Centre
A rejuvenated Sydney City Eagles welcome South Coast Taipans to Michael Clarke Recreation Centre for an intriguing contest to play out on Saturday night.
The Eagles swooped to their first win of the season in a dominant 8-1 success against SD Raiders Futsal while South Coast Taipans were the latest to fall victim to Dural Warriors in a 6-nil loss last weekend away at The Centre.
Taipans were missing troops in their loss but they will want to rebound in the middle of their away gauntlet. South Coast will need to find their defensive shape again against an attack-minded Eagles which will lead to opportunities for Kya Stewart and Lisa Prior.
Attack and goals have been a constant in Eagles games this season. They got due reward against SD Raiders Futsal and the attacking trio of Jess Beale, Montana Bolzan and Melina Manna could see them secure back-to-back victories in an open contest.
SD Raiders Futsal vs Raiders Futsal Club, Saturday 16 November, 3:20pm, Fairfield Youth & Leisure Centre
Finals chasing Raiders Futsal Club take the short road trip to Fairfield Youth & Leisure Centre to face SD Raiders Futsal in the Raiders Cup on Saturday afternoon.
Raiders Futsal Club looked more like their usual selves in a routine 6-1 success against West City Crusaders in last weekend’s Match of the Round. SD Raiders Futsal continue to spiral after an 8-1 defeat to Sydney City Eagles.
The home side remain on the outside looking into the finals but Raiders Futsal Club seem to have found the formula for success this season. Amanda Radmillo is the talisman for the Raiders offense and her work with Tamsin Buchanan and Mia Conners should see them ahead again.
After their promising start – SD Raiders Futsal haven’t reached great heights this season. Having Vesna Milivojevic graduate to the W-League with Western Sydney Wanderers has left a hole in their scoring which needs to be picked up by their youthful side to get back in the winner’s column.
Dural Warriors vs Phoenix Futsal Club, Saturday 16 November, 3:50pm, The Centre – Dural
Dural Warriors aim to take their unbeaten streak to nine as they host fourth place Phoenix Futsal Club at The Centre – Dural on Saturday afternoon.
The Warriors made amends for their opening round draw in a 6-nil success against South Coast Taipans to take their run to eight games. Phoenix Futsal Club challenged Sydney Futsal Club but fell to a close 4-3 loss at home.
Phoenix Futsal Club face a big task to become the first side to defeat Dural. Currently in fourth, Phoenix had their chances in the first game against Dural and will need Isabel Gomez and Sarah Moore on target to send some shockwaves through the competition.
To do that though, you need to crack the stubborn Dural Warriors defense. Usually futsal is a high-scoring contest but the Warriors have only let in three goals through eight games. That frees up their attack to find Rachel Perrins or Abbey Lemon to top up their healthy goal difference.
Sydney Futsal Club vs West City Crusaders, Saturday 16 November, 6:20pm, All Sorts Indoor Sports Centre
A rampaging Sydney Futsal Club head home to All Sorts Indoor Sports Centre to host sixth place West City Crusaders on Saturday night.
The home side come into this weekend off five-straight successes after their 4-3 win against Phoenix Futsal Club last weekend. West City Crusaders were downed 6-2 by a fast-starting Raiders Futsal Club side in the Match of the Round.
Sydney started their rise this season with their win away against the Crusaders so they will look to complete the double this weekend and lockdown second spot. Georgia Manos led the way with her brace last weekend and added another dimension to their attack alongside Morgan Maxwell and Paris Alcorn.
Crusaders still have their eyes on the finals due to the tight nature of the competition leaving them just three points outside the top four. Much of their threat comes through goal scorer last weekend Kaitlin Harms and Dione King which if the game becomes high-scoring could see them pick up a huge victory.
By Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)
