Ortiz Hat-Trick Fires APIA Into Premiership Lead After Clinical Display

APIA Leichhardt FC have moved to the top of the NPL Men’s NSW table after producing a dominant 4-1 victory over UNSW FC at Lambert Park on Saturday afternoon.

In a crucial Premiership clash, APIA delivered a statement performance against the second-placed visitors, racing into an early lead through Rory Jordan before Presley Ortiz stole the show with a stunning hat-trick to secure all three points.

The result, combined with SD Raiders FC’s victory earlier in the day, saw APIA leapfrog Marconi Stallions FC and move two points clear at the top of the table with five rounds remaining in the regular season.

APIA could not have asked for a better start, opening the scoring after just 33 seconds.

Jordan was played through down the left wing before cutting inside and producing a brilliant curling finish into the top corner, immediately settling any early nerves and giving the hosts the perfect start.

The goal set the tone for an impressive opening period from APIA, who looked dangerous every time they moved forward and continued to put pressure on UNSW’s defence.

The hosts came close to doubling their advantage early, with a quick free-kick catching UNSW off guard before Liam Wood produced a goal-line clearance to deny APIA.

Michael Konestabo then drove down the left before delivering a cross towards Jack Stewart, whose effort lacked the required connection and allowed Tristan Prendergast to gather.

APIA continued to apply pressure, with their movement and passing causing problems for the UNSW defence. Konestabo came close after receiving a cut-back from Ortiz, but his first-time effort drifted narrowly wide.

UNSW threatened on the counter, with Sean Woods combining with Jyden Harb before being denied by APIA goalkeeper Oliver Kalac, who was again called upon to make important saves as the visitors searched for a way back into the contest.

Lachlan Campbell also went close for APIA after a brilliant team move, only for Kalac to produce a superb reaction save and keep UNSW within striking distance.

Despite UNSW growing into the match, APIA remained the more dangerous side and eventually doubled their advantage in first-half stoppage time.

Ortiz found the back of the net with a deflected strike to give the hosts a deserved 2-0 lead heading into the break.

The second half continued in the same fashion, with Ortiz adding another goal in the 51st minute after racing through on goal and calmly finishing underneath the advancing Prendergast.

The striker completed his hat-trick shortly afterwards, producing a delightful chip over the exposed goalkeeper after another well-worked attacking move.

The treble took Ortiz’s season tally to 17 goals and further strengthened his position among the league’s leading scorers.

UNSW continued to fight and were rewarded with a goal in the 70th minute when Corby Fowler reduced the deficit, giving the visitors a glimpse of a possible comeback.

However, APIA remained in control throughout the closing stages, managing the match professionally and continuing to create opportunities.

Oliver Puflett forced a good save from Kalac late on, while UNSW pushed forward in search of another goal but could only create half-chances.

The final scoreline reflected a complete performance from APIA, who impressed not only with their attacking quality but also their discipline and efficiency across the pitch.

The victory sends a strong warning to the rest of the competition, with APIA now sitting two points clear at the top and firmly in control of their Premiership destiny.

With five rounds remaining, the 2026 NPL Men’s NSW title race is set for a thrilling finish.

Match Stats

APIA Leichhardt 4 (Rory Jordan 1’, Presley Ortiz 45+2’, 51’, 56)

UNSW 1 (Corby Fowler 71’)

Lambert Park, Leichhardt

Saturday,  25th July 2026

Referee: Jake Rose

Assistants: James Makris & Andrew Velovski

Fourth Official: Charlie Hollings

APIA Leichhardt: 1. Oliver Kalac, 7. Jack Stewart (17. Jordan Segreto 46’), 8. Michael Konestabo (14. Max Court 61’), 9. Presley Ortiz, 11.Rory Jordan (99. Franco Farinella 76’), 16. Sean Symons (15. Themba Muata-Marlow 61’), 19. Fabian Monge, 21. Michael Kouta, 22. Edward Caspers, 24. Cameron Fong (2. Seiya Kambayashi 68’), 25. Kyle Shaw

Subs Not Used: 6. Frans Deli, 20. Alexander Parkes

Yellow Cards: Fabian Monge 74’

Red Cards: Nil

UNSW: 1. Tristan Prendergast, 2. Timothy Wohlfiel (20. Anthony Barbic 32’), 3. Emilio Vinci, 4. Liam Wood, 10. Nathan Roberts (22. Gil Duffy 82’), 13. Sean Woods (16. Wan Gatkek 62’), 14. Lachlan Campbell, 15.Corey Fowler, 17. Jyden Harb, 19. Oliver Puflett (8. Tacettin Kumsuz 61’), 21. Alexander Malfara (7. Thomas Quilligan 61’)

Subs not used: 12. Cassius Flavell, 18. Conor Quilliganx

Yellow Cards: Nil

Red Cards: Nil

*Player Ratings have now been hidden until the remainder of the NPL Men’s NSW season.

By NPL NSW Men’s Reporter Micky Brock