New club colours no problems for Ortiz
Ahead of APIA Leichhardt’s clash with Sydney FC this weekend, NPL Men’s NSW top scorer Presley Ortiz spoke about his offseason move, starting the season strongly and his goals for the future.
Ortiz has been exceptional for APIA since joining the famous New South Wales club in the summer break, scoring five goals in four league games and impressing with his pace, poise and consistent threat up front.
“Moving to APIA in the offseason was an exciting challenge, it’s obviously a massive club and it’s hard to turn down a club like APIA when they show interest,” said Ortiz on making the move to the Inner West.
“Franco (Parisi) and David (D’Apuzzo) definitely made sure pre-season was tough with a lot of hard work, but it was exactly what me and the boys needed in preparation for the season.
However, results-wise, APIA haven’t made the start they would have been hoping for, picking up four points from their first four games.
“The team has shown a lot of promise in the early stages of the season despite the disappointing losses in last two games,” said Ortiz on their early-season form.
“We know our capabilities and we are working hard to refine certain aspects of our game to ensure we maintain consistency throughout the season.”
Coming off the back of two successive defeats, APIA head into Sunday afternoon’s match against Sydney FC with a point to prove, with a win necessary to kickstart some form as they look to remain in touch with the top of the ladder.
“The squad remains focused and motivated heading into the match against Sydney FC,” said Ortiz.
“While the last two results were disappointing, we will analyse our performances and look to improve.
“The entire group is determined to respond with a strong performance this weekend.”
After two highly successful years under the coaching of Parisi and D’Apuzzo – in which they’ve claimed one NPL Men’s NSW Premiership as well as winning the Waratah Cup – it’s little surprise to learn what APIA’s ambitions are for this year.
“As a club, our ambition is always to compete at the highest level and challenge for silverware,” said Ortiz.
“We have a talented squad, we know our capabilities and we will be sure to showcase that.”
Meanwhile, Ortiz remained humble when discussing his future goals, as well as his strong start to the season.
“My primary focus this season is to continuing to improve and learn under Franco and David,” he said.
“Personally, I want to contribute as much as I can to the team’s success, and progress to the highest level possible.”
Watch the NPL Men’s NSW top-scorer in action this Sunday afternoon, as APIA take on Sydney FC at 3:30pm at Lambert Park.
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-By Jack George
