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Home / Sport / Football

A-League marvels at Riley McGree's freakish strike in semifinal victory

NZ Herald
27 Apr, 2018 06:54 PM3 mins to read

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Riley McGree of the Jets celebrates his goal with Jason Hoffman. Photo / Getty Images.

Riley McGree of the Jets celebrates his goal with Jason Hoffman. Photo / Getty Images.

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Riley McGree pulled a rabbit out of the hat in one of the greatest goals you're likely to have ever seen during a game of football.

The Newcastle Jets midfielder stunned Melbourne City with a breathtaking scorpion goal to help his side claim the 2-1 semi-final victory.

Social media went into meltdown with everyone from all off corners unable to comprehend what the teenager had just pulled off.

The 19-year-old's stunning improvised scorpion kick will be replayed for years to come and rivals the superstars of the game in Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

While there have been many memorable goals scored in the history of the A-League, McGree's effort deserves its place atop the all time standings.

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Jaw. On. Floor.
Most outrageous goal of the @ALeague. #NEWMCY

— Carly Adno (@CarlyAdno226) April 27, 2018

Have you ever?! Hahah that is the most outrageous goal you’ll ever see!!! Newcastle is pumping! Super final. #NEWvMCY

— Daniel Garb (@DanielGarb) April 27, 2018

The goal was so good, many have called for it to be handed FIFA's Puskas Award which is handed to the player, male or female, judged to have scored the most aesthetically significant, or "most beautiful", goal of the year.

What makes it even better is seeing it from the front on angle.

Jets coach Ernie Merrick who has done a miraculous job in taking the team from wooden spooners to the A-League grand final had never seen anything like it.

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"No... but I've no doubt he's going to tell me he's been practising that all week," Merrick joked.

"It was a tough edgy game, a typical finals game. And what a terrific goal.

"We're in it to win it. Pretty sure we can take anyone on.

"(Melbourne City) was the only team in the league we'd not beaten."

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28 Apr 02:00 AM

City were undone by Jason Hoffman's 75th-minute winner, with the Jets now awaiting Saturday night's other semi-final between Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory to learn their grand final opponent.

But the biggest moment of the game and perhaps one of the biggest moments the league has ever seen came courtesy of the Jets' teenage ace.

End it there. Best ALeague goal ever! Giroud, Mkhitaryan Eat your heart out 😱😱😱😱😱 see, GREAT things happen in the @ALeague 🙌

— David Weiner (@davidweiner9) April 27, 2018

1. This is the best goal this season anywhere on the planet. This has to win the Puskas Award

2. Riley McGree is the most Australian name ever. https://t.co/DNb6OsSKC5

— James McManus (@JamesMcManus1) April 27, 2018
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