FC Goa host Mumbai City FC in a crucial clash
Goa, February 10, 2023: FC Goa are on a four-game unbeaten run and will look to derive inspiration from their recent performances against Kerala Blasters FC and East Bengal FC at Fatorda as they gear up for another home game, this time against Mumbai City FC on Saturday.
The Gaurs have the second-best home record this season in the ISL, having won six out of eight matches in their own backyard, and will look to build on this when they host the Islanders. The visitors, meanwhile, boast of an even more commendable record, as they have not tasted a single defeat thus far in their league campaign. Come Saturday, the Men in Orange will look to change that and take all three points that are up for grabs with Carlos Pena’s men desperate to lock up a playoff spot.
The Gaffer Speaks
At the pre-match press conference on Friday, FC Goa head coach Carlos Pena spoke about the importance of treating the upcoming game as ‘a new challenge’.
“We did not get a positive result the last time we faced them. But it’s now in the past and we cannot change what happened there. Hence, it’s important to not think about it. Tomorrow’s is a new game, a fresh challenge. We need to keep a fresh mindset and think only about what we can do tomorrow,” he said.
The return of Edu Bedia after serving his suspension against Odisha FC is something that FC Goa fans look forward to. The tactician, however, chose to focus on the team as a unit, instead of singling players out.
“Sure, it (Edu’s return) is good news, so is the fact that all the others are available for selection as well. This game is an important one, as winning this will play a role in our potential qualification to the playoffs. Hence, I’m happy to have all my options.
“Hernan (Santana) debuted against Odisha and played a few minutes, he did his best with the limited training time he got with us prior to the match. We’ve worked with him since, and he’s also ready for the next assignment,” the 38-year-old further added.
While reaching the playoffs remains an important objective, Pena maintained that he prefers to take things ‘step-by-step’.
“I want to think about this game now, and about nothing else. We want to focus on ourselves and what we can do best on the pitch tomorrow. Yes, playoffs is one of our objectives, but we want to take matches one at a time as they come,” he added.
The Task Ahead
Currently in fifth place in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2022-23 standings with 27 points from 17 matches, a win against Mumbai City FC will help FC Goa leapfrog ATK Mohun Bagan to fourth place. Three points will thus be crucial for the Gaur as it cements their position in the top-six and in turn, the playoffs.
Both teams have several similarities, in terms of playing styles, formations and more. When the two teams faced each other earlier this season at Mumbai, the Gaurs were beaten 1-4 in what has been their heaviest defeat of the ongoing campaign.
After a good half where Goa matched toe-to-toe with the Islanders, a series of individual mistakes from them helped Buckingham and co take the three points. Come Saturday, Pena will be keen for his team to not lose focus, as that would help them dominate proceedings and set the tone for the remainder of the season.
Also Read: Kerala edge Goa in a thrilling Santosh Trophy opener
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJGMSC Crowned Champions with a dramatic win over MH Oranje FC
In the heart of Mumbai’s football scene, MYJGMSC achieved a remarkable feat by becoming champions of the Mumbai Premier League in their debut season itself. This is no small accomplishment,…
MH Oranje FC Gears Up for a Final Push in the MFA Premier League
MH Oranje FC’s Intense Final Stretch: Pursuing MFA Premier League Glory As the MFA Premier League 2023-24 season reaches its climax, MH Oranje FC is gearing up for an intense…
Bengaluru FC’s focus on youth football is the reason behind our success in the RFDL: Coach Bibiano Fernandes
Mumbai, April 25: For the third season in a row, Bengaluru FC have qualified for the National Championship of the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL). The Blues are two-time defending…
Indian Super League announces tentative venues for the 2023 – 2024 Final
Mumbai, April 23: The Indian Super League (ISL) today announced that the 2023-24 season final scheduled on Saturday, 4th May will be played at the home ground of the higher ranked team in the…
I-League 2: Mumbai Derby turns into a Survival Race Between MH Oranje FC and Kenkre FC.
The final matchday of the I-League 2 is set for an intense showdown as MH Oranje FC takes on Kenkre FC in the Mumbai derby. The match, scheduled for 27th…
Chembur United – JFC ride on Pradnesh’s late stunner to beat Carmelites FC 1-0.
In a thrilling MFA 1st Div encounter between Chembur United (JupiterFC) and Carmelites FC, the game saw both teams create several scoring opportunities, but a late goal by Chembur United…
Odisha FC strike first blow with 2-1 comeback win in semis against Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Bhubaneswar, April 23: Odisha FC secured a 2-1 victory against the Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar in the first leg of their semi-final fixture…
Rahul Bheke: Players from the Reliance Foundation Development League are performing really well in the ISL
Mumbai, 26 April, 2024: Mumbai City FC captain Rahul Bheke has appreciated the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) for building a channel of players for Indian Super League (ISL) clubs…
Mumbai City FC produce miraculous comeback to seize victory in semi-final clash against FC Goa
Goa, April 24: Mumbai City FC inspired a sensational late resurgence to come back from 2-0 down to win the first leg of their semi-final fixture against FC Goa by…
Intrigue and rivalry heats up as FC Goa bank on positive momentum to stop Mumbai City FC in their tracks
Goa, April 23: FC Goa will host Mumbai City FC in the first leg of their semi-final fixture of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 on April 24, Wednesday, at 7:30…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…