Defending champions Auckland got their campaign off to a surprising start when they were defeated 3-1 in the opening round of matches in Series One, held in Dunedin, by last season’s wooden spooners Northern.
It was the champions’ first loss in 14 matches, and they also dropped points in a goalless draw with Capital – however despite the slow start they go into Series Two leading the table with Futsal South behind them on goal difference.
Northern have made massive progress on last season and a third of the way through the competition remain the only unbeaten side in the eight team competition after recording two wins and three draws in their five matches.
The side has the experience of Brazilian born player-coach Felipe Bernardi who has made his mark on the playing style of this team. Add to that line-up former Moroccan international Hicham Kamri, former Futsal White Ouadhah Ragued and ex-China representative Zhang Jiong and Northern has a fairly formidable line-up.
Further bolstering the side are talented youngsters Jan Fischer and Harvey Mills, who both debuted for the Futsal Whites against Australia in 2012.
Series Two is being held at ASB Stadium in Kohimarama this weekend with 20 highly entertaining matches expected to keep spectators on the edge of their seats.
Entry is free, with matches on Saturday from 11am to 11pm and Sunday from 8am to 4pm.
For more information on the teams and players, as well as the full schedule, you will find the Series Two Guide here
For more on New Zealand Football visit www.nzfootball.co.nz

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