NPL Women Match Preview: Round 9 vs South Melbourne

Box Hill United will meet South Melbourne in the Round 9 NPL Women clash at Wembley Park on Friday night.

Pythagoras head into the contest off the back of a 1-1 draw with Boroondara Eagles in an even and free-flowing game, as Asuka Doi continued her goal scoring form.

South Melbourne are currently in fourth spot on the NPL Women ladder, despite some up and down form over the last five matches. Their most recent result saw a 3-1 home victory over Calder SC at Lakeside Stadium.

Following a couple of strong results including the 3-0 win against Heidelberg United a week earlier, Pythagoras will be riding the home support and seeking similar success.

South Melbourne players to watch:

It’s a double attacking threat for South Melbourne, with two players tied with the most goals for the club this season.

Dragana Kljajic has four goals in eight matches and has particularly found the shooting boots of late, finding the back of the net in three of the past four appearances. She is currently in her second season after signing before the 2023 campaign.

Tayla Christensen also has four goals but with one less match played, where in contrast to Kljajic she got her season off to a flyer with three goals in just two games. The New Zealand forward is also in her second season with South.

Last time we met:

Round 17 of the 2023 NPL Women saw Box Hill United meet South Melbourne at the upcoming venue of Wembley Park.

In a 1-1 draw, Pythagoras gained ascendancy with a first half goal to Melinda Barbieri, but South fought back to equalise in the second interval as Danielle Wise scored for the visitors.

Match details:

What: NPL Women Round 9

Who: Box Hill United vs South Melbourne

Where: Wembley Park

When: Friday May 17, kick-off 7:30pm

Image credit: Passion Creations