3 Jul 2015

Oly Whites begin with a win

4:53 pm on 3 July 2015

The New Zealand under-23 men's football side has beaten the Solomon Islands 2-0 in their opening Pacific Games Rio Olympics qualifier in Papua New Guinea.

The Oly Whites made a good start at Bisini Field in Port Moresby with first-half goals from Monty Patterson and Alex Rufer.

Alex Rufer in action

Alex Rufer in action Photo: Photosport

Just before the half hour mark Patterson fired in off the Solomon Islands upright and Rufer doubled the lead five minutes before the break, volleying home with his left foot.

The New Zealanders play five games in 10 days in the gruelling schedule, with the Olympic qualifiers wrapped into this year's Pacific Games tournament.