Futsal Premier League 2 Open Women’s Grand Final Review
The Futsal Premier League 2 Open Women’s competition has come to a fitting end after 15 weeks of fast and furious competition. South Coast Taipans were crowned Champions in a pulsating Grand Final against APIA FC Futsal.
Let’s get onto the review.
South Coast Taipans 4 defeated APIA FC Futsal 1
South Coast Taipans were crowned Champions after their 4-1 win against APIA FC Futsal at Sydney Olympic Park Sports Halls on Sunday afternoon.
It was a wonderful way to round the FPL2 Open Women’s season for South Coast Taipans who did the double this season. Jordan Baker scored a pair of goals including a stunner from her own half alongside goals from Bronte Trew and Caitlin Russell.
APIA FC Futsal battled across the game but only found the back of the net once. Their goal was scored by Isabelle Antonio in the 18th minute. APIA FC Futsal had a good first season in the FPL2 competition.
Both South Coast Taipans strode onto the pitch at Sydney Olympic Park Sports Halls looking to finish their season with some silverware.
It was APIA FC Futsal who had the first chance of the contest. Lauren Featherstone found some space and fired wide.
South Coast Taipans settled into their rhythm quickly and piled up chances. Jordan Baker and Bronte Trew had efforts which were saved.
The Taipans found the opener in the 6th minute. Trew weaved past the defence and arrowed her shot into the bottom corner for 1-0.
It was double delight for the Taipans in the eighth minute. Baker unfurled a shot which rocketed into the net for 2-0.
They continued to pile on the pressure looking for a third. APIA FC Futsal keeper Emilija Vidakovic pulled off some magnificent stops to keep it at two.
The Taipans were in full control and they pushed forward. Bronte Pyke and Trew had efforts which went wide.
South Coast Taipans made it 3-0 in magical fashion. Baker scored a special goal which needs to be seen on the highlights. She looped it high in the air and dipped enough to find the net.
APIA FC Futsal responded with their own goal, making it 3-1. Isabelle Antoniou tapped home from the rebound in the 18th minute.
The Taipans stepped right on the gas pedal after half-time. Lulu Lozano fired wide twice while Pyke shot straight at Vidakovic.
The combination between Lozano and Pyke continued to be fruitful. They had a few more efforts which weren’t able to find the target.
Alyssa Thomson tried to get APIA FC Futsal back in the game. She had a trio of efforts which were saved by Taipans keeper Poppy Johnson.
South Coast Taipans made it 4-1 in the 38th minute. Caitlin Russell arrowed the ball into the bottom corner which set off the celebrations.
They saw out the rest of the game and streamed onto the pitch in celebration after the final whistle and Taipans completed their season with two trophies.
Speaking post-match, South Coast Taipans coach Kyle Del reflected on the game and the wonderful season from his side:
“It was an unbelievable performance from the girls and a great way to finish off the season. We set goals at the start of the season and completed them. The girls were determined and committed to see this through. They truly deserve this achievement.” Said Del.
MATCH STATS
Sunday 17 December 2023
Sydney Olympic Park Sports Hall
South Coast Taipans 4 (Trew ‘6 Baker ‘8 ’17 Russell ’38)
APIA FC Futsal 1 (Antoniou ’18)
South Coast Taipans: 1. Caitlin Russell, 2. Nicole Besz, 4. Ashley Kotevski, 5. Jordan Baker, 7. Ebony Freeman, 8. Bronte Pyke, 9. Bronte Trew, 10. Lulu Lozano, 11. Poppy Johnson, 15. Sofia Kent
Yellow cards: nil
Red cards: nil
APIA FC Futsal: 3. Zoe Zaczek, 6. Rosie Sullivan, 8. Lauren Featherstone, 10. Maya Abidin, 12. Isabelle Antoniou, 15. Angelina Foley, 16. Alyssa Thomson, 17. Claudia Pickett, 18. Kalize Jarvis, 21. Alyssa Walsh, 40. Emilija Vidakovic
Yellow cards: nil
Red cards: nil
By Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)
