Fine Futsalroos debut for Feilich
“The coaches, management and my teammates were amazing, excited for my debut and encouraging all the way, making it easier for me to be confident on the court,” says Noah Feilich.
2022 Maccabiah Games teammates Ethan De Melo and Noah Feilich represented the Futsalroos in the four-team NSDF Futsal Championships from March 23-28, in which the Aussies finished runners-up to hosts Thailand.
Mascot Vipers player De Melo, 21, is now a regular in the Futsalroos squad as a winger.
He played in their 4-3 opening round win over Thailand, a narrow 4-5 loss to Afghanistan, a thrilling 4-3 victory over Malaysia on March 27, and the final on March 28, in which Thailand proved too good on the day, winning 9-2.
Feilich, also 21, was picked in the Futsalroos squad for the first time following his impressive form for Eastern Suburbs Hakoah Futsal Club last season, in which he earned the award for NSW Premier League open men’s goalkeeper of the year.
Feilich told The AJN on Tuesday that the environment in the Futsalroos “was amazing, and something unique that I had not previously experienced”.
“The coaches, management and my teammates were amazing, excited for my debut and encouraging all the way, making it easier for me to be confident on the court.”
After getting some minutes in game two, Feilich got his first starting spot and played his first full match for the Futsalroos in their win over Malaysia in game three.
Malaysia led 2-0 before the Aussies scored the next four goals and conceded a late goal, setting up a gripping last few minutes in which the Futsalroos defended stoutly to seal the win.
Feilich said, “To make my starting debut against Malaysia was a dream come true and to walk out and sing the anthem is a moment I’ll cherish forever.
“To win the game made it even more special.”
The tournament was used by the Futsalroos as preparation for the 2024 AFC Futsal Asian Cup in Thailand from April 17-28, which Australia had already qualified for.
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