Futsal Premier League Open Men’s Round 9 Preview
With six rounds of the Futsal Premier League Open Men competition left, Can a side from outside the top four break into semi-finals contention?
It’s a big weekend in this chaotic competition so make sure you check out the action this Saturday.
Macarthur Quake Futsal v Eastern Suburbs Hakoah Futsal Club; Saturday 11 November, 3pm, Minto Indoor Sports Centre
After securing their first result in nearly two months. Can Macarthur Quake cause another upset against Eastern Suburbs Hakoah this weekend?
This fixture the first-time round saw Macarthur Quake stage a remarkable comeback at the death at the Heffron Centre. Since then, they have secured just one-point last weekend sitting at the wrong end of the table.
Last weekend however they were able to get themselves into a winning position against UTS Northside. Alexander Nicolosi and Daniel Goni stepping up in that one with Alex scoring a hattrick. Can they go one better this weekend?
A result which can kick start a season? Eastern Suburbs Hakoah secured a big scalp last weekend over Enfield Allstars last Sunday. Prior to that, it’s been a mixed set of results as they have struggled for consistency.
Now sitting in fourth, they have a three-point gap over the teams outside the four. With new signing Adam Paulsen playing a key role in both games last weekend while Samuel Tzanakes scored the crucial goal over Enfield Allstars in the final minute of that one.
Mountain Majik Futsal Club v Enfield Allstars; Saturday 11 November, 5:00pm, Penrith Valley Regional SC
Wouldn’t be an Open Men’s round without a top four match! Competition leaders Mountain Majik host Enfield Allstars at Penrith Valley Regional SC.
Winning their last three games, Mountain Majik seem to have shaken off the hiccup which they experienced a few weeks ago. They have scored a league high 41 goals this season and up against the second-best side this weekend, goals are forecast here.
Anyway, back to last week… They picked up an impressive result against Eastern Suburbs Hakoah. Their win built on defense at one end, while the attacking firepower of Anthony Haddad and Jamie Dib saw them emerge victorious.
Their opponents Enfield Allstars saw a three-game winning run ended last weekend against Eastern Suburbs Hakoah. Sitting in third place, they have a seven-point cushion inside the top four with six games remaining.
Before that game against Eastern Suburbs Hakoah in which Domenic Badolato starred in goal, they did pick up a victory over Dural Warriors last Saturday. Shervin Adeli scoring another brace joined by Dylan Chau who scored his first three goals of the FPL season.
Dural Warriors v Boomerangs FS; Saturday 11 November, 5:20pm, The Centre Dural
If these two hold any Semi-Finals aspirations, this one is almost a must win as Dural Warriors host Boomerangs FS.
Despite tasting defeat for the second time in a week to the hands of Enfield Allstars. There was plenty to encourage the Dural Warriors last weekend. Now under the guidance of Blake Rosier, who has taken over the Open Men set up, they are four points behind the top four.
Last weekend they started well getting an early goal which they deserved through Ahmed Sweedan. Sweedan joined on the scoresheet by Jacob Basden in a valient effort after the same fixture a week before.
It’s been a rough run of form for Boomerangs FS who are winless in three. Sitting in second last with a game in hand, a result sooner than later is becoming more important as they look to survive in the division.
Last weekend they walked away disappointed after their defeat to Mascot Vipers. A big part of that coming cause they were missing Nick Rathjan. Look for a response here.
Mascot Vipers v UTS Northside Futsal Club; Saturday 11 November, 5:20pm, Heffron Centre
Finally unbeaten in their opening seven fixtures, Mascot Vipers welcome UTS Northside to the Heffron Centre.
They just keep on rolling! Facing the hardest trip away in the competition, Mascot Vipers dug deep last weekend to overcome Boomerangs FS away from home. Two points behind Mountain Majik, they will have the opportunity to go top in coming weeks.
Last weekend it was a tale of their youngsters stepping up to complement their experience. Mikah Chilas and Hyun Nguyen two youngsters in particular who earnt a special mention post-game. The question is quickly becoming how long they can stay undefeated?
It’s hard to know what to make of UTS Northside in this competition. With a record of two wins, two draws and four defeats, they’ve somehow managed to keep a positive +2 goal difference this season.
Last weekend, they had Grant Lynch to thank for inspiring a late comeback to rescue a point against Macarthur Quake. Two goals coming in the 39th minute to level things up, Nathan Amore and Lucas Rainbird also scoring in the second half. Another side who need a win to keep semi-final hopes alive, can they be the one to end the streak?
By Justin Smith
