Recap

The 3rd instalment of Round 1 NIKE Series Futsal action saw a strong Balwyn side take on last season’s State League Champions, and newly promoted CF Brunswick. After putting in a strong showing in the Futsal Oz Cup, Brunswick’s time had come to show everyone they mix it with Series Futsal elite. They got off to the best possible start, as Joshua Pulvirenti took a tough away from his defender before hitting a low shot into the bottom left corner. Balwyn hit straight back however through Andrea Zaccone who’s top draw effort from almost half way found the top right corner. Matteo Rocca was then teed up from a corner, and he volleyed home into the left side of the goal. Davide Iacovissi then ball rolled his defender before finishing into the bottom left corner. Oscar Magrina burst down the left before firing past Pham at his near post. Zaccone then scored two goals in quick succession to wrap up his first half hatrick as Balwyn went into half time holding a dominant scoreline of 6-1.

The second half was a much closer affair as Brunswick grew into the game and Balwyn sat back to consolidate their lead. A forgettable moment for Brunswick goalkeeper James Bush resulted in Balwyn’s seventh of the match, as Valerio Celenza took advantage of his mistake. Both teams traded chances for the remainder of the half but neither could find the net until the final minutes of the match as Pulvirenti finished off after playing a one two. For Brunswick, a start to their Series Futsal campaign they will want to quickly forget, as they look to bounce back next week against Carlton. As for Balwyn, a near perfect start to their campaign, and should they keep the strong side that played today together for the majority of the season, we could be seeing big things coming from Gabriel Zeballos’ side.

Man of the Match: Andrea Zaccone (FC Balwyn)