The 2017–18 season was the club's fourth season since its establishment in 2014 and their fourth season in the Indian Super League.
Season overview
Pre-season
FC Goa announced on 24 April signing of nine players for their development squad but only six names were revealed.[1] Aaren D'Silva and Derren Fernandes were signed from Santa Cruz Club of Cavelossim, Princeton Rebello from Vasco. Liston Colaco signed from Salgaocar F.C. for the transfer fee of ₹1.5 Million.[2] Ivon Costa and Jude Cardozo from local Goan clubs.[citation needed]
June
On 5 June 2017, FC Goa announced Sergio Lobera as their new manager replacing Zico on a 2-year contract.[3] On 16 June 2017, FC Goa announced the return of Bruno Pinheiro.[4]
July
FC Goa retained goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani and midfielder Mandar Rao Desai from their last season's squad before the players draft. Both players signed three-year deal and will stay with the franchise until 2020.[5] On 12 July, Manuel Arana signed for FC Goa on 1-year contract.[6] On 18 July, FC Goa announced signing of Spanish forward Ferran Corominas on 1-year deal who last played for Cypriot side Doxa Katokopias.[7]
On 1 September 2017, FC Goa completed the signings of two foreign players Edu Bedia and Adrian Colunga.[14] It was announced that Goa would have their pre-season in Murcia, Spain with a 27-man squad and play five friendly matches in Spain.[15]
October
FC Goa had a strong pre-season after they played a total of five friendlies in Spain; winning three and losing two matches.[16] They returned to Goa on 27 October 2017.[15]
November
FC Goa continued their preparations for the new season by playing three friendlies in Goa, they won two and lost one out of three matches. They ended their pre-season with a 4–0 victory over Chennai City.[17]
FC Goa continued their good form after winning 5–2 against Kerala Blasters as Corominas scored his second consecutive hat-trick of the season.[20] On 17 December, Goa beat Delhi Dynamos in a 1–5 away victory, sending them at the top of the table.[21] FC Goa lost their first home match of the season against Pune City in a 0–2 loss.[22]
January
On 3 January 2018, FC Goa drew their first game of the calendar year with a 1–1 away draw against ATK, the match was delayed by 2 hours and 45 minutes due to unavoidable circumstances at Goa Airport which caused the team travel late.[23][24] Three days later, Goa lost their third match in the league against NorthEast United in a 2–1 away loss, this loss left them winless in three games.[25] On 10 January, Goa announced the signing of winger Lalmuankima from Aiwzal FC, they also signed U-19 goalkeeper Mohammad Nawaz who would join their development team.[26] On 11 January, Goa defeated Jamshedpur in a 2–1 home victory as Lanzarote scored a brace, this was their first win of the calendar year 2018.[27] On 21 January, Goa beat Kerala Blasters in a 1–2 away victory with goals from Ferran Corominas and Edu Bedia.[28] On 24 January, Mohamed Ali and Brandon Fernandes signed new contracts with FC Goa which would keep them at the club until 2020.[29] On 26 January, Goa announced the signing of Mark Sifneos until the end of the season.[30] On 28 February, Goa lost to Mumbai City 3–4 at home with Seriton Fernandes receiving two yellow cards and sent off.[31] On 31 January, Goa announced that Manuel Arana would be sent on loan to Delhi Dynamos until the end of the season.[32]
February
On 2 February, Goa announced the signing of Hugo Boumous following the departure Manuel Arana.[32] Two days later, Goa drew 2–2 at home against NorthEast United.[33] On 9 February, Goa suffered a 2–0 away defeat to Bengaluru.[34] On 15 February, Goa lost 0–1 to Chennaiyin at home. On 21 February, Goa drew 1–1 with Delhi Dynamos at home which meant they were winless in five games. Goa then bounced back and went on to win 0–4 away vs Pune City and 5–1 at home vs ATK.
March
On 4 March, Goa won 0–3 away against Jamshedpur. They qualified for the playoffs and finished third in the group.[35] After picking up a 1–1 draw in the first leg of the semi-final against Chennaiyin, they lost 0–3 in the second leg away from home and got knocked out.[36] They directly qualified for the 2018 Super Cup after finishing in the top six of the Indian Super League table. On 24 March, FC Goa announced on Twitter that assistant coach Derrick Pereira would take charge as head coach for the Super Cup in Sergio Lobera's absence.[37]
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
Source: Indian Super League Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head points; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) head-to-head goals scored; 5) goal difference; 5) number of goals scored; 6) fair play ranking; 6) drawing of lots (C) Champions
