Western Wolves FC 8-4 FC Balwyn
WOL – T.Couliabaly 3, S.Shoona 3, S.Gluhalk, A. Chandab
BAL – J.Gerogees 2, V.Shamoon, D.Toma
Western Wolves have shrugged off their disappointing Series Futsal Australia campaign by beating the new-look Balwyn Stars in the first game of the season.
The Wolves started and ended the game strongly, but were subjected to a semi-resurgence from the Stars as the new boys attempted to show the rest of the competition that they were not there to make up the numbers.
Shoba Shoona was the star for the Wolves as they burst out of the gates in the first half, taking a 3-0 lead into the half-time break.
The Wolves added a fourth early in the second half, but the Stars were not willing to lie down, scoring three quick goals of their own to take the margin down to just the one goal.
But the Wolves managed to put their collective foot back on the pedal and regained control of proceedings with a string of four goals.
The Stars did manage to score a consolation goal amidst the Wolves’ late blitz, and their improved second half would have given them a lot of encouragement for the future.
Man of the Match: Shoba Shoona (Western Wolves FC)
Fitzroy FC 2-5 CF Brunswick
FIT – E.Parthimos, S.Rogan
BRU – G.Garcia, M.Salvi, J.Pulvarenti, A. Zaccone, Reuben
A new and improved Brunswick side have had a dream start to life under Gabriel Zeballos, putting in a convincing performance to beat former Series Futsal Australia champions Fitzroy.
The first half was extremely tight for the first 20 minutes, with both sides unable to capitalise on the small amount of chances they created – but with just under three minutes to play, Brunswick exploded into life with three quick-fire goals before the break.
Brunswick added a fourth after the break, before Fitzroy hinted at a fight-back with two goals of their own.
But Brunswick sealed the win with their fifth goal, resigning Fitzroy to a spirit-dampening loss.
Man of the Match: Michele Salvi (CF Brunswick)
Pascoe Vale FC 3-1 Hume FC
PAS – A.Caro, R.Hauser, R.Martin
HUM – M.Petrovic
Pascoe Vale have put in an impressive second half performance to secure a win over old rivals Hume in their first round clash.
The first half made up for in intensity what it lacked in goals, as both sides fiercely fought out the opening period to a no contest.
There were four goals in the second half though, with Pascoe Vale scoring three of them in the early stages of the period, taking a strangle hold on the game.
Hume’s goal came late in the half when they deployed the fifth-man tactic, but it ultimately was not enough as Pascoe Vale secured all three points.
Man of the Match: Andre Caro (Pascoe Vale FC)
FC Carlton Heart 4-3 Metropolitan FC
CAR – H.Razbocan 2, C.Rajab, A.Ibrahim
MET – T.Grgic, A.Redzepovic, H. Vt Phan, A.Zahra
Carlton Heart have ground out a hard-fought win over newly-promoted Metropolitan, despite the defending champions not performing anywhere near their maximum capacity.
Both sides performed moderately well in the first half, with Carlton slightly edging proceedings, taking a 1-0 lead into the half-time break.
The two teams exchanged goals in the early stages of the second half, with Carlton leading 3-2 midway through the period.
Chaaban Rajab gave away a penalty to give Tomislav Grgic the chance to equalise for Metro, an opportunity that he did not let pass.
Just as the game seemed to be destined for a penalty shootout, a Carlton throw-in was headed home by Hayden Razbocan as he won the game for the Heart in the final minute.
Metro tried desperately to find a late equaliser, but they were unable to successfully implement the fifth-man tactic.
Man of the Match: Adrian Zahra (Metropolitan FC)
