Academy scholar Monty Patterson netted his second goal in two games as New Zealand’s U23s beat hosts Papua New Guinea 1-0 in Port Moresby earlier this morning to secure a place in the semi-finals of the Pacific Games.
Midfielder or striker Patterson, 18, struck on the hour mark, having previously scored his side’s first goal in their 2-0 victory over the Solomon Islands in their opening group game.
New Zealand face New Caledonia in their final group game on Tuesday with the tournament winners claiming a place at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.
Last month Patterson played for New Zealand at the FIFA U20 World Cup with his goal in the 5-1 victory over Myanmar named amongst those nominated for the Goal of the Tournament.
GOAL! 60 mins l @PattersonMonty gives the #MensU23s the lead on the end of a long throw! pic.twitter.com/ytc7yfZWdB– New Zealand Football (@NZ_Football) July 5, 2015