La Fiamma can’t break through 10 men as they fall to Perth Royals in season opener

Ugle Fabrications La Fiamma fell to a tight loss to open their 2023 campaign as they went down to the Perth Royals 1-0 in Sunday’s away game at J A Lee Reserve. The opening game of the season was something of an unknown for the Reds, with the Royals newly promoted from division four following division restructuring by Football West. An away trip is always a challenge especially first up in the season with La Fiamma also without their two top scorers from last season, Al Mupotaringa and Kumbirai Dzoma. The Reds had targeted a more balanced game plan this season after many high-scoring shoot-outs last year and the Reds looked a solid side to start 2023 even without their top scorers. However, they did fall behind early after Rory McAuley put the Royals in front inside the first half forcing the Reds to chase the game. It’s no easy task chasing away from home but they were given a chance when McAuley went from hero to zero with a straight red card reducing the Royals to 10 men. The Reds pushed for an equaliser but could not find the finishing touch without their leading strikers as the Royals’ defence held firm. Joshua Rodrigo picked up a yellow card in the closing stages as the Reds were left frustrated in a grinding 1-0 loss but did show signs of their new game plan for 2023. The Reserves had an even tougher outing with a hat-trick to Perth’s Nick Calkin helped the home side to a 4-0 win. The Reds will hope to turn around their fortunes in their first home game this Saturday against Northern City at 4pm.