Melbourne Victory’s Ella O’Grady scored an incredible goal as the Young Matildas defeated China 3-1 in the opening game of their two-match series.
Ramping up their preparations for next year’s AFC Under-20 Women’s Asian Cup in Uzbekistan, Australia travelled to China and got the better of their Asian opponents in Xiamen, where Liberty A-League up-and-comers were on show on Sunday.
Melbourne City sensation Daniela Galic gave the Young Matildas – a squad stacked with 23 A-Leagues talents – the perfect start when she broke the deadlock in the 10th minute.
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She pounced on a poor pass out of defence and drifted past two defenders before finishing into the back of the net at Auxiliary Field of Xiamen Egret Stadium.
China responded well and looked swift in attack as they nearly equalised eight minutes later but their shot sailed just wide of the post.
Two quick-fire goals in the second half put the Young Matildas out of sight.
A sweeping move ended in Canberra United midfielder Sasha Grove finding the back of the net in the 66th minute.
Then two minutes later, O’Grady produced a moment of individual brilliance to make it 3-0.
The Victory teenager, who has already scored two goals this season, won the ball on the wing, lifted her head and unleashed a long-range shot that sensationally found the back of the net.
China did pull a goal back with seven minutes remaining but it was a mere consolation.
The two nations will meet again at the same venue on Wednesday.
