A huge weekend of football features several important matches in the NPL Men’s, and a mid-table scrap for a coveted top seven spot in the women’s competition.
The action begins on Saturday afternoon as SWQ Thunder’s women’s team takes on Moreton Bay United, and ninth-placed Sunshine Coast Wanderers look to knock off The Gap away from home to secure a spot in the top seven.
Western Pride (eighth) and Olympic FC (seventh) both have tough assignments, with Pride at home against league-leaders Lions FC and Olympic away to Gold Coast United.
Meanwhile, in the men’s competition, Brisbane Roar meet Lions FC at Lions Stadium, while Redlands United and Magpies Crusaders United both have home games against strong opposition as they battle to lift themselves out of the relegation zone.
Elsewhere, Capalaba FC have a double header on Saturday evening with the women coming up against Peninsula Power and the men against Brisbane Strikers.
Fans can watch all First Grade NPL Men’s and Women’s matches live on NPL.TV, free for Australian residents.
With two games already washed out, there is a possibility of more games being postponed this weekend.
Feature matches
Olympic FC v Moreton Bay United
Olympic FC host Moreton Bay United on Sunday afternoon looking to continue their eight-game unbeaten streak.
Olympic has been one of the teams to beat this season in the NPL, having tasted defeat just once at their home ground Goodwin Park.
Daniel Leck has been in great form for Olympic, scoring four goals in his last two outings to take his tally for 14 for the season.
Currently in third place, two points behind Brisbane Roar but with a game in hand, Olympic will want to put some distance between themselves and fifth-placed Moreton Bay.
The Jets are coming off a big Round 14 win over Redlands United – a game that saw five different Moreton Bay players find the back of the net.
In Ono Ryo and Zach Kierpal, the Jets have two of the most dangerous attacking players in the league.
A win over Olympic this weekend could lift the Jets to equal second on points with Brisbane Roar.
Match details:
Sunday 11 July, 6:00pm
Goodwin Park, Yeronga
Gold Coast United v Olympic FC
After a strong midweek win over The Gap, Olympic FC travel to the Gold Coast in search of more points as the race for the top seven heats up.
Olympic have scored freely over the past three rounds as playmaker Liz Doherty has combined brilliantly with Talitha Doro, Nadine Keast and Allira Toby.
Currently sitting in seventh place, a win over Gold Coast United could potentially be enough for Olympic to qualify for the top seven.
However, it will likely be a tough test away from home against the defending premiers, who are fourth on the ladder after a hard-fought 2-1 over Western Pride on Wednesday night.
While Gold Coast’s spot in the top seven is assured, they will be looking to win their final two games before the season splits.
Expect a close encounter at Coplick Family Sports Park on Sunday afternoon.
Match Details:
Sunday 11 July, 4:00pm
Coplick Family Sports Park, Tallebudgera
Key players:
Tomoki Asakawa (Brisbane Strikers): The Strikers’ top goal scorer has found the back of the net in his last two outings, helping the club earn its first win over the season in Round 15.
Andy Pengelly (Brisbane Roar): Leads the NPL Men’s Golden Boot race with an incredible 19 goals in 14 matches.
Allira Toby (Olympic FC): Scored a goal against The Gap midweek and will be crucial for Olympic’s chances of earning a spot in the top seven.
Holly McQueen (Lions FC): Will return to her old stomping ground in Ipswich this Saturday night as Lions take on Western Pride.
NPL Men’s Schedule:
Capalaba FC v Brisbane Strikers
Saturday 10 July, 7:15pm
Max Haynes Field, Capalaba
Magpies Crusaders United v Gold Coast Knights
Saturday 10 July, 7:30pm
Sologinkin Oval, Mackay
Logan Lightning v Sunshine Coast Wanderers
Sunday 11 July, 4:00pm
Cornubia Park, Loganholme
Brisbane Roar v Lions FC
Sunday 11 July, 4:00pm
Lions Stadium, Richlands
Redlands United v Eastern Suburbs
Sunday 11 July, 6:00pm
Compass Grounds, Cleveland
NPL Women’s Schedule:
SWQ Thunder v Moreton Bay United
Saturday 10 July, 3:45pm
Clive Berghofer Stadium, Toowoomba
The Gap FC v Sunshine Coast Wanderers
Saturday 10 July, 4:00pm
Walton Bridge Reserve, The Gap
Virginia United v Logan Lightning
Saturday 10 July, 4:45pm
Albert Bishop Park, Nundah
Capalaba FC v Peninsula Power
Saturday 10 July, 5:00pm
Max Haynes Field, Capalaba
Western Pride v Lions FC
Saturday 10 July, 7:15pm
Briggs Road Sporting Complex, Ipswich
Souths United v QAS
Sunday 11 July, 5:00pm
Wakerley Park, Runcorn
BYE – Mitchelton FC
Image: Olympic FC