Thursday the 24th of September

By Adam Husseini

Pascoe Vale 4 vs. 6 Carlton 6:30PM

Pascoe Vale started the game brightly with a few early goals to new recruits Chris Vithoulkas and Steve Sasic. Carlton Superstar Hooman Shekari arrived late to a baptism of fire, Carlton 3-0 down in the 13th minute until Hooman got on the board. What a night he was going to have!

Iman Arjoman scored another nifty goal after the break, striding across Wesley Hall and nonchalantly deflecting a Savva Patikis strike into the back of the net. Savva had an impressive debut for Calrton and was instrumental in assisting Hooman to 4 goals.

Leo Papergeorgiou was solid at the back for Pascoe Vale but it was the forwards that let the team down defensively. Carlton counterattacked clinically, and from being 4-2 down came back to win 6-4. A good start to the new season for the league runners up Carlton, Pascoe vale will have to show the cutting edge it took them to avoid the relegation battles to improve on last season.

Fitzroy 10 vs. 1 Melbourne University 7:15PM

The blonde and the blue of Fitzroy found it difficult to break down Melbourne University initially but were on the scoresheet after 9 minutes with Mercurial James Blackburn scoring on a 45 degree angle. He then hit the post from the same angle a minute later before scoring a carbon copy goal of the first two minutes later, 2-0 to Fitzroy. That’s how it stayed at half time with Melbourne Uni having few chances.

Fitzroy started the second half brightly and James had scored another three inside 5 minutes! 5-0 Fitzroy and Melbourne University were down and out.

New recruits Dimitri Vithoulkas & Luciano Bessa linked up well throughout the game, and Luciano also had himself on the score sheet in the 12th minute. James had his 6tth soon after and Melbourne uni were playing like stunned rabbits.

Dimitri finally got on the scoresheet with 5 minutes to go. Leonardo scored a nice flick, James had another and there was still time for a late consolation goal for Melbourne Uni who will need to show the passion and desire it took to keep them in the V-league. Its smooth sailing for Fitzroy who have a new look North Melbourne side.

Essendon FC 3 vs 8 North Melbourne 8:00pm

A real clash of the titans this one, Essendon FC the champions took on a new look North Melbourne, with Futsal sensations Fernando De Moraes & Kui Mu. Alexander Stevanovic had a superstar of his own in Ivan Zilic, who had finished a terrific season of service to Ashburton. Both sides approached the first half with caution, with the tit for tat battle exploding when Fernando skipped past two Essendon defenders and toe poked coolly into the bottom corner.

Alexander responded skipping past Milton Sakkos & Kui Mu before unleashing a shot into the top right corner. North went into the break 3-2 up with the game in the balance. It didn’t take long for Fernando to grab the game by the scruff of the neck and slam a goal in off the upright. It was from that point on North clicked into gear with a clinical display of fast free-flowing Futsal, back post finishing and just all round orthodox play.

Essendon looked a beaten side early in the second half and went down 8-3 in the end. North shared the goals with Jonathan Barrientos, Billy Mihelakis, Colby Waterfield, Kui Mu and Milton Sakkos sharing the goals between them.

North Melbourne have set the standard early for this season, the champions will need to bounce back against a newly promoted Doncaster FC.

Ashburton FC 5 vs 3 Doncaster FC 8:45pm

The green machine, coached by Paul Vidic (Victorian Futsal Mens Coach) had 2 new additions for the coming season in Michael Dixon & Adam Husseini with the departures of Ivan Zilic & Eren Ozdemir. Doncaster had come of the back of a gruelling 8 week qualifying campaign whereby they relegated Mcleod FC (with players like Andy Vargas & Alan Petrovic)

Both sides started brightly with a fast tempo to the game. Both keeps made a few saves before the first few goals flew in. The game was in the balance for long periods until Ashburton forward Igor Arsovski scored a double. Doncaster went to the penalty spot courtesy of 5 fouls to get back in the game, but there player toe poked over the bar. Ashburton looked bright & lively but struggled to finish of a gutsy, battling and determined Doncaster side.

A fair result in the end, Ashburton take on a solid Geelong outfit next week while Doncaster have a week of reflection before they take on champions Essendon.

Prahran 6 vs 6 Metropolitan 9:30pm

A new look metropolitan took to the field against Prahran who showed early signs of a cup hangover. Metro were fast and furious out of the blocks racing to a 4-1 lead. Rotations were ever present with there newly appointed Brazillian coach adding a samba style to the team. Ahmed Mukhtar & Eren Ozdemir looks to be a promising combination for Metro, whilst Brendan Chen was terrific in goals.

Victorian Futsal Magician, Prahran’s Maxim Avram continues to impress despite being hampered by an injury that has plagued him for several weeks. Haider Noor continues to shine with another 3 goals in the bag, after scoring 4 in the cup win weeks ago. Both sides played well in patches and will take some time to settle down and start picking up points.

Next week Prahran take on a beaten Pascoe Vale side while Metro play Melbourne Uni immediately after.

Geelong FC 3 vs 1 Albert Park 10:15pm

The last game of the night was played at quite a slow and defensive pace epitomizing both teams style of play. Traditional counter-attacking Futsal with 1 target and 4 behind the ball whenever possession is lost. Geelong made there long awaited debut after surprising many with a huge qualifying win over FC Melbourne whilst Albert Park had made several off season changes.

Albert Park recruit Ignat Filipovic couldn’t find his range all night and missed several chances by centimetres. Take nothing away from Geelong who fought hard, competed at every contest and rotated well to keep fresh legs on the field. There keeper was outstanding and will play a big role in keeping them in the prestigious LEGEA V-League.

It would’ve been an enjoyable drive home for the wildcats, with goals to D’Antino and Radojevic, Geelong will need to continue there fine form against Ashburton next week. Albert Park have a thankless task against Carlton and will need to shape up at the back and ship out up front!

For highlights head to www.futsaloz.tv for more news head to www.futsaloz.com!