FC Goa has finished ninth in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2021-22. After winning the 2020 Durand Cup in the pre-season, the expectations from the Goa-based club were high. But with 19 points in 20 matches, this is the only second time they have not qualified for the semi-finals in their history.

Record

Pl: 20, W:4, D: 7, L:9

FC Goa recorded four wins, seven draws and nine losses in the season. They have a goal difference of -6. This is the first time their goal difference has gone negative. They have scored 25 goals and conceded 31 goals. They have conceded 15 goals from the set-piece situation, which is second-highest in the league

Negative

They began their season with three losses in a row, against Mumbai City FC, Jamshedpur FC and NorthEast United FC. However, they bounced from the setbacks to go on an unbeaten streak of four matches.

Just when things had started to look upwards, on December 20, their head coach Jaun Ferrando left the club to join rivals ATK Mohun Bagan. The event happened after FC Goa’s 1-1 draw against Hyderabad FC the evening before. 

Positive

Soon after the departure of Juan Ferrando, Technical Director, Derrick Pereira was announced as the new head coach of the club. Arrival of Pereira boosted the mood in the camp. And towards the end of the season, FC Goa registered a 5-0 win over Chennaiyin FC and held Kerala Blasters to an entertaining 4-4 draw in their final match of the season.

Despite the managerial change, FC Goa stuck to their style and played some lovely attacking football. They created a number of chances but were not clinical in front of goal. The Gaurs can hope to build on this and expect better luck in front of the goal next season.

Best Player

Jorge Ortiz has been the best player for FC Goa. He has scored eight goals and assisted five in 15 matches. He has been a leader upfront and his unavailability due to injury has cost the team.

Best Young Player

The 23-year-old Devendra Murgaonkar has scored two goals and made two assists this season. This is the youngster's second season in Hero ISL. He became a more consistent face in the line-up this season and has chipped in with his contribution to the team.

Next Season

FC Goa has taken the most number of shots this season. They have had 293 attempts at goal. Although, here is where the problem lies, they have scored joint-third fewest goals so far. They have scored 25 goals in the season. They have the second-worst conversion rate in the league at 7.5%.

FC Goa would look to bring a quality stiker next season who can convert the chances they create.