WATCH: Lawrence Wong becomes Melbourne City’s youngest-ever Isuzu UTE A-League goalscorer
On Saturday afternoon, Lawrence Wong, a prodigious talent from the Melbourne City academy, etched his name in the club’s history books by becoming the youngest Isuzu UTE A-League goalscorer at just 17 years of age. The budding star’s journey with City is even more remarkable when you consider how it all began.
Wong’s journey commenced in July 2019 when he joined City’s academy at the mere age of 11, having showcased his talent in the club’s City Football Schools program.
After advancing through the CFS and into the academy, he eventually made it to the first team, marking his Isuzu UTE A-League debut in January. This feat made him the first player to ascend through the club’s entire player development pathway before debuting in the A-League.
MATCH REPORT: Dreams realised for 17-year-old academy graduate as historic goal earns three points for City
Wong’s match against Perth Glory was his fifth appearance of the season—a day that the teenager will cherish forever, as he netted his inaugural senior league goal for the club, clinching vital points for Aurelio Vidmar’s side.
With this achievement, Wong now holds the record as the youngest goalscorer in Melbourne City’s Isuzu UTE A-League history. Remarkably, the five youngest club goalscorers have all been City players since December 2023, all of whom have developed through the academy.
What made Wong’s record-breaking goal even more memorable was the technique behind it. Struck from outside the penalty area into the top-left corner, his maiden goal for the club came off his weaker right foot.
“Honestly, I rarely shoot with my right foot during warm-ups,” a jubilant Wong shared with Network 10 after the match. “It just happened to come to me on my right foot, and I gave it my all, and thankfully it paid off.”
“It feels amazing. Scoring in front of our home fans is an extraordinary feeling.”
SATURDAY RESULTS
CITY 1-0 GLORY: Dreams realised for 17-year-old academy graduate as historic goal clinches three points for City
WESTERN 0-2 AUCKLAND: Auckland solidify their hold on the top spot as May’s wondergoal inspires victory over top-four rivals
ADELAIDE 1-2 JETS: Jets’ new dynamic duo link up again, stunning Adelaide in an upset defeat
Wong isn’t the only young talent making waves in City’s current senior lineup; several others, including Jayden Necovski, Peter Antoniou, and Lachie Charles, are keen to follow in his footsteps after securing first-team contracts.
“There are a few of us,” Wong noted. “Doing it here at the club where I grew up makes it even more special. It’s been quite the journey from the academy through the 14s and 15s; they all share the same philosophy, which has helped ease my transition to the first team.”
After the team’s thrilling 1-0 victory over Glory, City head coach Aurelio Vidmar commented on Wong’s promising impact in only his fifth Isuzu UTE A-League appearance.
Vidmar highlighted the importance of Wong’s impressive moment while acknowledging the young player will face challenges and learning curves as he continues to establish himself in the senior ranks.
“It was a beautiful goal. He’s the youngest player ever to score for our club, which is fantastic for him,” Vidmar said.
“He just needs to keep learning and working hard. We believe he has a promising future ahead, but he is still at the early stages of his career.
“He’s acquiring valuable lessons about dedication and teamwork. He will experience both highs and lows, which is all part of the journey. He has a steady mindset, so as long as he remains open to learning and pushing himself, he is setting himself up for success.”
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
Fanpage: SportArena.com.au.
LiveScore – Live Sports Results & Odds.
