KEY POINTS:
Ali Riley's first international goal for New Zealand broke an eleven-year goal drought against China but they still lost 1-3 in a training match in Qinhuangdao overnight.
The match against the Olympic hosts was played privately over three 30 minute periods and was a useful taste of what conditions will be like for their first two Olympic matches at the same venue in three weeks.
US-based Stanford University winger Riley met fullback Marlies Oostdam's cross at the back post in the 73rd minute to score New Zealand's first goal against China in eight matches since a 1-3 loss in 1997, but two early goals meant the Football Ferns were always playing catch-up.
New Zealand conceded from a fifth minute corner - China's first attacking opportunity - and then allowed a lone Chinese forward to convert a right wing cross eight minutes later despite being outnumbered by three Ferns defenders.
Enjoying extended periods of pressure and possession, New Zealand fashioned threatening chances in the first two periods through Emma Kete, Renee Leota and substitute Rebecca Tegg.
After Riley reduced the deficit in the third period, New Zealand pushed for an equaliser but were caught on the break by China who sealed the game with a third goal in the 90th minute.
Former Arsenal striker Amber Hearn and Sweden based professional Rebecca Smith were rested as they recover from respective calf and thigh strains, but are expected to be fit in time for Sunday's full international against China that serves as a dress rehearsal for New Zealand's Olympic opener against Japan on August 6.
New Zealand coach John Herdman saw enough promise from his side to believe the Football Ferns could notch their first ever result against China.
"The exciting thing is that we were able to play a high pressure game and maintain it in stifling conditions," Herdman said.
"We only had 14 fit outfielders, whereas China had a bench of 27 squad members, so our players showed a lot of bravery to keep pressing in the heat and humidity.
"We spent a lot more time on the ball tonight but that ruthlessness is still missing."
- NZPA
