The match against Umeå IK was played outdoors at 13:00 on Saturday, according to multiple reports. Christer Landström, unit manager for Piteå municipality's facilities, confirmed that LF Arena's artificial turf is ready for play this weekend. According to Piteå-Tidningen, Landström described the pitch as green and fine and approved for match play, noting that heating has been on since February 1 and there should not be any problems risking match cancellations.
Piteå IF has played four training matches and three Swedish Cup matches this pre-season, losing only one against Kristianstad, according to multiple reports. Forward Amirah Ali remains unavailable due to a knee injury, though the specific timeline for her return has not been disclosed. Fredrik Bernhardsson, a team representative, stated that Piteå IF is in a good position ahead of the league premiere.
It's a bit like a sign of spring.
The team also played a training match against Sunnanå SK on Saturday, though the exact date and final score of that match have not been confirmed. According to Piteå-Tidningen, two-goal scorer Sharon Sampson described the performance against Umeå IK as doing what they should and talked about, expressing happiness about it. Another two-goal scorer, Evelina Moberg, told Piteå-Tidningen that it was nice they managed to score some goals, something to take with them ahead of the premiere.
According to Piteå-Tidningen, Josefin Johansson described the atmosphere as a bit like a sign of spring. Stina Andersson told Piteå-Tidningen that if a chance comes, she will take it. The detailed conditions for Piteå IF to advance in the Swedish Cup have not been specified, and the confirmed starting players for the league premiere against Kristianstad remain unknown.
The pitch is green and fine and is approved for match play now. We have had the heating on since the first of February and there should not be any problems that risk matches needing to be moved.
Piteå IF's focus now shifts to preparing for the Damallsvenskan opener, with the team aiming to build on its pre-season form despite the Swedish Cup exit.
We did what we should and what we have talked about, so I am happy about that.
If a chance comes, I will take it.
It was nice that we managed to score some goals, something to take with us ahead of the premiere.