Futsal Premier League 2 Open Men’s Semi-Finals Preview
The Futsal Premier League 2 Open Men’s competition heads into the semi-finals with a pair of exciting clashes to run the rule over. All four clubs will be raring to go from the opening whistle and book their spot in the Grand Final next weekend.
Let’s get onto the preview.
Semi Final #1: Phoenix Futsal Club vs Raiders Futsal Club, Saturday 14 December, 5pm, Valentine Sports Park
The first semi-final sees Phoenix Futsal Club take on Raiders Futsal Club at Valentine Sports Park on Saturday afternoon.
Phoenix Futsal Club finished the Futsal Premier League 2 Open Men’s season on top and were crowned the Premiers.
They had eight wins, a single draw and three losses across the campaign which put them in prime position.
Connor Slater has led the way for Phoenix Futsal Club with 12 goals this season and he will be keen to find the back of the net again.
Both Lachie Davis and Paul Lee have been key contributors with Lee having one of the more lethal shots in the competition.
Raiders Futsal Club secured their finals status on the final day with a 5-5 draw against SD Raiders Futsal in the Match of the Round.
They are looking to make their third straight Futsal Premier League 2 Open Men’s Grand Final in a row with a win on Saturday.
The side is led well by Goran and Slaven Ljuboja who lead from the front with their instructions and goals in the last few weeks.
Between the sticks, Ibrahim Daniel is one of the best keepers in the league and he will be a tough nut to crack for the Phoenix Futsal Club attack.
Previous Meetings: Phoenix Futsal Club has won both games in the regular season with a 2-1 win in Round 5 and a 3-2 win in Round 12.
Semi Final #2: Macarthur Quake Futsal Club vs APIA FC Futsal, Saturday 14 December, 6:30pm, Valentine Sports Park
Macarthur Quake Futsal Club face off against APIA FC Futsal in the second semi final at Valentine Sports Park on Saturday night.
The Quake have had a strong season back in Futsal Premier League 2 Open Men’s with seven wins, one draw and four losses to finish second.
Mark Symington has shown off his goal scoring prowess this season with 19 tallies and he will be the leading man again for the Quake.
There is talent across the pitch for Quake. Aiden Limbrey and Alexander Purves both have nine goals this season which has helped them to the finals.
They are also an experienced side who has been involved in big moments across their history and ready to hopefully lift some silverware.
APIA FC Futsal were a consistent force this season finishing third on the ladder where they had six wins, two draws and four losses.
Bilal Belkadi is the leading light for APIA FC Futsal. He has scored 22 goals this season and should take home the Golden Boot.
Alongside him, his brother Jamal Belkadi will provide an impact while Marcus Sparacino has a nose for goals with 19 this season.
APIA FC Futsal have shown this season that no lead is safe against them and this game might come down to the final seconds on Saturday.
Previous Meetings: Quake won the first match up between the two, 6-3, back in Round 3 while APIA FC Futsal won 4-3 in Round 10 so we’re set up for an entertaining clash.
By Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)
