Futsal Premier League Open Men’s Grand Final Review

Eastern Suburbs Hakoah claimed a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Mountain Majik in our Futsal Premier League Open Men’s grand final at Valentine Sports Park.

After a season and finals series filled with tension, goalkeeper Noah Felich and Jonathan Lynch stepped up in the shootout to claim the title.

For long periods of this one, the two sides couldn’t be separated with Mountain Majik putting together an admirable performance in defeat.

Hakoah was the first side to create a chance in this one with James Reed forcing the opposition keeper Vasos Kartambis into a save high up.

Which drew a quick response at the other end with Jordan Guerreiro shooting from the left wing, saved by Noah Felich.

Both sides matching each other’s intensity early and you could sense a goal was imminent. Said goal falling to the Majik, Christopher Barbera tapping home from close range, Corby Fowler with a stinging ball across the face for the assist.

Hakoah then responded well getting their reward a couple minutes later. Emmanuel Tzanakes holding the ball up superbly on the left before squaring it to Jonathan Lynch who made no mistake with the finish for the equalizer.

That goal gave Steve Tzanakes’ side the momentum to create a couple of further chances in a short period of time.

Adam Paulsen was the main threat going forward forcing a few saves, while Emmanuel Tzanakes hit the crossbar with a strike from distance.

While Christopher Barbera had Majik’s best opportunity at the other end of the pitch with the scores level at the break.

The theme of the second half was like the Majik’s semifinal 24 hours before with Majik holding plenty of possession in the second half.

However, it was Hakoah who scored the first goal of the second half, Samuel Tzanakes breaking forward down the right wing before finishing to put them up 2-1.

There was a sense that it was going to be hard to separate these two throughout and an equalizer was once again quick in coming. A disguised Jordan Guerreiro free kick finding Jamie Dib who finished from close range.

A scoreline which held until the final couple of minutes where it was the Majik to take the lead once again. Golden boot Anthony Haddad finally stepped up in the finals taking the ball inside from the left before finishing powerfully for a 3-2 Majik lead with 78 seconds left.

Hakoah then opted for a powerplay with Adam Paulsen the choice there. An equalizer came just in time with nine seconds left. Samuel Tzanakes stepped up breaking free down the left before making no mistake with the finish sending the game into extra time at 3-3.

The two sides exchanging another set of goals in added time with Christopher Barbera putting Majik ahead 4-3, their goal coming from another Jordan Guerreiro assist.

Before Hakoah equalized with Emmanuel Tzanakes scoring from a direct free kick just outside the circle which saw Jamie Dib see a second yellow card. Extra time finishing with the teams equal with four goals each.

Both keepers strutting their stuff in the penalty shootout with Noah Felich saving three penalties before Jonathan Lynch scored the winning penalty at the sixth attempt for the Eastern Suburbs Hakoah victory.

Eastern Suburbs Hakoah Futsal Club 4 (Jonathan Lynch 8’, Samuel Tzanakes 29’ 40’, Emmanuel Tzanakes 43’)

Mountain Majik Futsal Club 4 (Christopher Barbera 4’ 42’, Jamie Dib 30’, Anthony Haddad 39’)

Eastern Suburbs Hakoah win 4-3 on penalties.

Youth Grand Final Results

U19M: Mascot Vipers 1-3 Dural Warriors

U16B: Enfield Allstars 3-2 Boomerangs FS

U14B: UTS Northside Futsal Club 1-2 Mountain Majik Futsal Club (AET)

U12B: Mascot Vipers 4-3 Eastern Suburbs Hakoah Futsal Club

End of season note:

Big thank you to everyone who has read the previews/reviews across the season. I’ve enjoyed bringing them to you. Wishing you all a great holiday period and we’ll see you next year!

By Justin Smith