The 2025 NPLW Round 5 Match of the Round has big stakes at FV Academy hosts Box Hill United as they search for their first victory of 2025.
Preview
Round 4: FV Academy v Box Hill United
Venue: The Home of The Matildas
Date/Time: Saturday 12 April 2025, 3:00pm
FV Academy faces a big test this week against Box Hill United at The Home of The Matildas in the Round 5 Match of the Round.
Led by Head Coach Santi Escudero, the Academy is looking to bounce back after a tough 3-0 loss to Brunswick last week, leaving them with four losses and a -13-goal difference.
Box Hill United, fresh off a 1-0 victory over Bentleigh Greens, sits 5th on the table with two wins and a +2-goal difference. Midfielder Katie Cox scored the winning goal last week, while goalkeeper Chloe McKenzie impressed with a strong performance between the posts.
Fiorina Iaria has been a standout on the wing with a goal, while captain Ehva Gutszmit and vice-captain Anika Dovaston will be key in controlling the game from midfield
This match promises an exciting clash as FV Academy aims to showcase their youthful talent, while Box Hill looks to build on their strong form. With both teams hungry for a win, expect an intense battle on the pitch.
Head-to-Head Record
Played: 29
FV Academy: 12
Box Hill United: 13
Draws: 4
Last Time They Met
Round 22, Saturday August 24 2024, @ Wembley Park
Box Hill United: 6 (Bucalo 8, 64pk, Pickett 12, Sakalis 14, Pollicina 71, 77)
FV Emerging: 0
Referee: Courtney Van Diesen
Box Hill United
Natasha Stathopoulos (Deborah Lawrence 82), Laura Pickett, Olivia Ellis, Zoe Hudson, Rhianna Pollicina, Sara Petkaris (Chiara Lettieri 46, Asuka Doi 76), Bridie Cooling (Bella Stringfellow 82), Holly Murray, Nikolina Bucalo (Belinda Stojcevski 82), Elwen Parbery, Sofia Sakalis
Coach: Kougulan Sabaratnam
FV Emerging
Sophie Dehne, Annabelle Yates (Emilia Ingles 76), Amelia Tartaglia (Anika Dovaston 46), Jade Tam, Ehva Gutszmit, Teodora Djuric (Isabella Accardo 83), Carina Rossi (Eva Kokotis 19), Danella Butrus, Clancy Westaway (Gracie Clarkson 76), Lara Aitken, Fiorina Iaria
Coach: Santi Escudero
Watch the last time they metKey Matchup: FV Academy Attack v Box Hill Defence
FV Academy, boasting talented young forwards like Fiorina Iaria, Heidi Dalton, and Kaya Jugovic, is still searching for their first win of the season. With Eva Kokotis strong from the penalty spot and Anika Dovaston and Clancy Westaway also dangerous in front of goal, they have the firepower to challenge any defence.
Box Hill goalkeeper Chloe McKenzie, who kept a clean sheet against Bentleigh Greens last week, will be a key obstacle for the young side. If FV Academy can break through, it could spark a momentum shift.
Watch the stream
The 2025 NPLW Round 5 Match of the Round will be broadcast live and free on the NPL Victoria YouTube Channel.
Commentator: Joey Lynch
NPLW Round 5 Matches
Friday April 11, 8:30pm: Bentleigh Greens v Spring Hills @ Kingston Heath Soccer Complex
Saturday April 12, 3:00pm: Essendon Royals v Bulleen Lions @ Cross Keys Reserve
Saturday April 12, 3:00pm: Alamein v Heidelberg United @ Dorothy Laver West Reserve
Saturday April 12, 3:00pm: FV Academy v Box Hill United @ The Home of The Matildas
Saturday April 12, 4:00pm: Boroondara Eagles v Preston Lions @ Veneto Club
Sunday April 13, 2:00pm: South Melbourne v Brunswick Juventus @ Lakeside Stadium