FUTSAL WA

R15 – Women’s Supa-Liga, 2021/22 Summer Season

Featured Match Review

The Women’s featured round 15 review was between Perth Pumas FC and West Coast Cobras SC. The Pumas and the Cobras were both scrapping to keep up with the league leaders Western Devils. A win for either side would keep them in contention, as well as putting them up to 2nd position. In the previous two meetings between the sides this season, either side had come away with a win. Both sides were also coming off the back of strong wins in the previous round, boasting incredible goal-scoring form. However, it was the Pumas that had a significantly better defensive game according to their goal difference.

The match started off a little bit scrappy and tense with both sides not creating too many clear cut chances. Leyland seemed to be the busier goalkeeper for the Cobras, and did well on multiple occasions to keep out a dangerous Pumas attack that grew more comfortable as the match went on. It took until the 11th minute for the Pumas to finally break through. A loss of possession 10 metres in front of their own goal, the ball kindly falling for Piper Boobyer, who took her chance to make it 1-0. The Cobras responded well thereafter, piling on the pressure on the Pumas goal, but unable to convert that onto the scoreboard. Perth Pumas then doubled their lead, just before half time. Abbey Meakins latching onto a cross and volleying home from close range to make it 2-0.

Bates taking a shot at goal

With the score now at 2-0, the Cobras needed to push forward to get themselves on the scoresheet. However, with the Cobras missing several key players, Perth Pumas were comfortable in their defensive shape, shutting out the Cobras attack to great effect. With 13 minutes left in the Match, Zoee Spadano of the Pumas increased the lead to 3-0. Spadano made a clean tackle 15 metres from goal and found herself one on one with Leyland, before emphatically smashing the ball home. The Cobras needed a change of tactics, and finally decided to play fly-keeper for the rest of the match, with Ranieri and Leyland switching the role between each other.

With seven minutes to play, Shivani Battaglia sent in the final Pumas blow. Making an easy save and drop-kicking the ball into the empty net on the opposite side of the court. It wasn’t until the final few minutes that the Cobras finally got on the scoresheet. Cobras top scorer Jayna Ridley with a consolation goal to end the match 4-1. The win sees the Pumas keep their 2nd placing, and drops the Cobras down to 4th. The two sides will meet each other once more in the final round of the season before finals begin, a match that will likely shape up the top 4 final placings.

Phoenix Futsal WA succumbed to a disciplined Northern Hawks side 0-3. The Phoenix mid-season revival saw their own performances drastically increase. However, the improvement wasn’t enough, and recent results all but confirm their exit in finals contention. In the final Women’s match of round 15, Western Devils shakily got over the line against a motivated Andinxs FC. 4-2 was the final score in the Western Devils favour, keeping them at the top of the ladder. Andinxs FC still remain rooted to bottom of the ladder, and will be fighting it out with the Phoenix in the remaining five rounds to determine who finishes last.