By Kieran Yap 25/3/25
Above: South Melbourne players celebrate a second half goal against FV Academy. Photo: Passion Creations
South Melbourne defeated a 10-player FV Academy on Saturday night after a second half goal fest that saw the game end 7-2. Miesha Westland, and Nikka Furukawa both scored twice for the home side while Fiorina Iaria’s finish was a highlight for the visitors.
It only took three minutes for the first major incident of the game, Dragan Kljajic played Furukawa through behind the Academy defence and she was pulled back by Amelia Tartaglia as the last defender.
The resulting free kick from Olivia Bomford did not threaten Charlotte Hrehoresin in goal, but The Academy side were under immediate pressure.
Westland’s storming run through the centre set up the opening goal. After spreading the ball wide to Kljajic, the chance ended up with Raquel Derales, and although the former Calder striker’s effort was blocked, Furukawa was on hand to slide the ball home.
Despite being a player and a goal down, FV Academy responded admirably. South Melbourne captain Francesca Iermano conceded a penalty and Eva Kokotis struck the resulting spot kick accurately to level the scores.
South Melbourne retook with lead on the half hour mark. An underhit backpass ended up with Derales who’s square pass was finished off by Kljajic.
FV Academy drew level in stylish fashion before the break. Heidi Dalton’s clever pass ser Iaria free with all the space she needed to draw her side level once again. The first touch set her up for the shot, and the second lofted the ball perfectly over the onrushing but well positioned Cristina Esposito.
South Melbourne came out after halftime in top gear, and Iermano’s early cross earned them a penalty kick. New signing Tiff Eliadis stepped up to take it and although the shot was saved by Hrehoresin, Westland reacted quickest to knock in the rebound and make it 3-2.
Eliadis’s influence grew throughout the match and the former Melbourne Victory championship winner set up Bomford with a lofted pass that the striker finished confidently over the goalkeeper. That made it 4-2 and the game was getting away from FV Academy.
Another Eliadis run helped put the result beyond any doubt. The eventual pass set up Westland for her second and she took the chance with a calm low finish.
The floodgates were well and truly open and Mami Ambo made it 6-2 after sneaking behind the defence and rounding the goalkeeper.
In the dying stages, Furukawa made it seven with a tap in after the ball bobbled off the crossbar. It was a deserved goal for the playmaker and it would be the final goal of an eventful game.
FV Academy showed plenty of promise for the rest of the season. Despite the score, they played with an attacking mindset and did not go into damage control mode after losing a player. Iaria’s goal was taken superbly. It was a quality individual effort to finish off an impressive team move.
After an opening day draw again Bentleigh Greens, South Melbourne found their groove against FV Academy. Importantly, the new signings all performed well. Eliadis was instrumental in the second half, and Derales showed all the craft that has seen her lift every trophy available in Victorian top flight football.
This was an exciting and interesting game, and when these teams meet again it should be another entertaining fixture.
Around the grounds, Heildelberg United scored a late winner to defeat Bentleight. Steph Galea’s finish after a long bomb by Mia Bailey awarded all three points to the visitors. the defending Champs are now two wins from two games in a solid start to the campaign.
Essendon Royals and Box Hill United wrestled out a 2-2 draw. Emma Perrone and Josephine Aulicino scored for the home side, while Sasha Coorey and Grace Paradis scored for The Royals.
Despite peppering the Spring Hills goal for over 90 minutes, it took until the dying stages for Bulleen to defeat newly promoted Spring Hills FC. Nia Salleh’s excellent finish separated the teams in the second minute of added time. The chance was unlocked by the vision and technique of Sarah Cain, who’s ball from deep in midfield split the Spring Hills defence, and gave Salleh a 1-1 chance which she finished across the keeper.
A Neve Duston brace gave Alamain a slightly surprising win over last season’s Grand Finalist’s Preston Lions. Her second goal was an early contender for the best of the season. It was a rocket from distance to delight the home crowd at Dorothy Laver.
The highlight of Boroondara-Carey Eagles 3-1 win over Brunswick Juventus was Priya Savarirayan’s long solo run from wide and emphatic finish at full pace. That goal followed Drew Dempsey’s opener with Anastasia Ramel responding for the home side.
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