Round 2 Wrap Up | 2019 2020 Macron SFL WA
The Macron State Futsal League started with a bang, with 57 goals scored in Round 1 (at an average of 8.14 goals per match). But, if we thought that would be hard to top, then Round 2 provided more fireworks with a whopping 62 goals, at an average of 8.86 goals per match. For entertainment value, the Pro Futsal Centre in Bibra Lake was the place to be last weekend.
Byford Venom FC 6 – 6 Canning Ultra Tigers FC
The latest additions to the Macron State Futsal League clashed in the opening fixture of Round 2. And, after a rocky start, Byford and Canning were looking to bounce back and prove that they belong at the highest level of futsal in WA. We predicted an exciting & fast paced match, and both sides delivered in spades. In a match that flowed from end to end, with countless opportunities and goals, Byford & Canning exchanged the lead on multiple occasions & eventually settled for a draw. Eddie Garrido excelled for Byford with a hattrick, along with a brace from Brandon Vanderros and a goal by Damian Heerema. Canning also had a hattrick hero with Khairi Abdul Sahak repeating his heroics from the previous week. Shaz Ramlee also impressed with a brace of goals, with Kai Jie Kong also on the scoresheet.
Cockburn EWA FC 3 – 2 Curtin Footbalista FC
A contender for match of the round, with Cockburn and Curtin featuring some of the most outstanding talent in the Macron State Futsal League. For the second week in a row, Footbalista troubled one of the favourites for the title, and again just fell short, being edged out by the odd goal. Both side impressed with an exhilarating display of futsal. Alex Gamble, Brando De Abreu & Sergio Coelho shared the goals for EWA, with Hesam Miz scoring both goals for Curtin.
Joondalup ECU Jets 4 – 5 Fremantle FC
If ever there was a case of a games of two halves, then this was it. Joondalup started the match with purpose & drive, looking to bounce back from their defeat in Round 1. Goals from Jimmy Fung, Paul Grant, Luke Palmateer & Johnny Hill gave ECU a 4-0 lead at half-time. And with Alex Donev in fine form in goals, it appeared that there was nothing Fremantle could do to breach the gap. But with 10 minutes remaining, Fremantle Head Coach Luke Tidy called a time-out & decided to employ the 5th man (fly keeper) tactic. Goals from Jake Pizzuto (2), Benji Mikhael, Liam Cummins & Milan Rosic delivered the comeback of the season so far & the unlikely victory.
Stirling Braza Ginga FC 7 – 3 South Perth FC
Another contender for match of the round in the Macron State Futsal League. With both sides battling hard to secure wins in Round 1, South Perth were motivated & looking to surprise the defending champions. But Braza were hot off the block, taking an early 2 goal lead. South Perth pegged them back with a brace of spectacular goals from the impressive Ivan Palermo. Robert Armellini scored a stunning goal as well from a set play. A hattrick from Stirling veteran Robert Ftynogiannis, along with goals from Adriano Martino, player/coach Thiago Mesquita, Claudio Tavares & Chris Rocchi put an end to South Perth’s valiant comeback.
Balga FC 6 – 0 Spearwood Lions FC
Two sides that love to entertain & play an expansive style of futsal collided in an exciting encounter. Balga, looking to reverse their loss in Round 1, took charge of the match & ran out 6-0 winners, thanks to braces from Adam Mangion, Conor O’Driscoll & Gabriel Kieswetter. Balga displayed that, when they are at full strength, they are a test to most opponents in the Macron State Futsal League. Spearwood, for their part, were not entirely out of this match. They were competitive throughout, testing Balga goalkeeper Michael Dudek on many occasions. But it was not their night, and Balga ran out worthy victors.
Perth Longobarda FC 3 – 7 Rockingham Cambio Cumbre FC
Yet another candidate for match of the round with Longobarda looking to avenge their loss in last season’s semis to Rockingham. But Cumbre came ready, with last season’s MVP Nestor Fonseca making a goalscoring comeback to the side in his first appearance of the season. And the veteran would have been proud of Cambio Cumbre’s academy players with 16 year old Kylan Watson impressing with a hattrick in a coming-of-age performance. Older brother Jaidyn Watson was also on the scoresheet, along with stalwarts Faris Noor Rani & Chandra Nagendran. Longobarda for their part had a lot of experience on display, though they did miss the influential Jan Cok. Goals from the speedy Alex Kretowicz & Nick Sacoor (2 goals) showed that they have strength in depth.
Perth AFC 2 – 8 Murdoch Warriors FC
An intriguing encounter between AFC and a confident Murdoch ended with The Warriors securing a comfortable victory. Murdoch did not let AFC settle, and put on a display of clinical futsal. Academy graduates Justin Tang (3 goals), Alex Basto & Meysam Kanani scored quality goals, and were ably supported by partisan Justin Pearce (2 goals) & Massimo Basulo. Murdoch are making an early statement as contenders this season with their young brigade one year older. For AFC, new captain Andrija Jukic starred with a goal. Ricardo De Oliveira also made a goalscoring return to the club. But despite a multitude of opportunities, they could not add to the scoring. Back to the drawing board for AFC, though to their credit, they do have a solid platform to build on.
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