A dominant team performance saw Melbourne Victory comprehensively beat Melbourne City away from home to make the first NPLW meeting between the two clubs one to remember.
The Girls in Blue 1-5 thumping, their third win of the 2025/26 season, was inspired by Fiorina Iaria’s four-goal haul in the Round 7 match at Casey Fields, who found time between striking to regularly terrorise the home team’s backline.
Victory’s 19-year-old attacker opened the scoring after seven minutes with a vicious strike from the left before growing momentum allowed perseverant teammate Jasmine Millar to net a low finish midway through the first half, in a welcome contrast to the early goals conceded in recent fixtures.
City’s Ellie Kirkby found the corner soon after to set up a well-poised second 45, but the visitors were not in the mood for any further back and forth. They duly dominated proceedings, showing developed defensive resilience, attacking sharpness, and calmness when a comeback was threatened.
Iaria, picking out the near post and then the postage stamp, scored two in two minutes to bring up her hat-trick, and the standout performer struck again when a cross-shot hit both posts to sneak in.
Match details are available by clicking here.
Speaking to MelbourneVictory.com.au, NPLW Head Coach, Santi Escudero, provided immense praise to his side.
“It was a very positive performance from the group. We showed tactical maturity, intensity, and a strong understanding of how we wanted to play. Against players of the same age, our quality and identity were very clear, and that reflects the work these players are doing every week.
“Pleasingly, after conceding, we adapted quickly, regained control, and went on to dominate larger periods of the contest. The team remained aggressive, ambitious, and focused until the final whistle.
“The next challenge is to carry that same level into senior environments against older and more experienced opposition, but this was another strong step forward for the team.”
