It was dour 1-1 draw between Wellington Phoenix and Adelaide United on Sunday but one player lit up social media.
Teen goalkeeper, Keegan Smith, was an instant online hit after he looked like he had strayed onto the pitch from the junior leagues.
The 18-year-old, who was thrown between the sticks by Phoenix for the Round One encounter at Westpac Stadium, overcame some early fumbles to settle into the game.
And while the high balls caused him some grief, in a game of few chances a cracking save off a George Blackwood effort ensured his team walked away with a point.
Keegan Smith, take a bow. What a save from the teenager to earn @WgtnPhoenixFC a share of the spoils. #ALeague #WELvADL
— Hyundai A-League (@ALeague) October 8, 2017
📽 @FOXFOOTBALL pic.twitter.com/XVLS4jILIX
Social media couldn't get enough.
I can't be the only one.... #WELvADL pic.twitter.com/HBEOkt6iRt
— Emily Salinas (@emilysalinas) October 8, 2017
Bloody awesome initiative by @WgtnPhoenixFC letting one of the MiniRoos kids play today. #WELvADL #COYR pic.twitter.com/cUap9O98A9
— Jarrod Walsh (@jarrodwalsh) October 8, 2017
What a save by Smith! #ALeague #WELvADL pic.twitter.com/ZAFf3kJUZv
— Hyundai A-League (@ALeague) October 8, 2017
Gee that new Nix keeper looks awfully familiar....#ALeague #WELvADL pic.twitter.com/XpIKjkqwYb
— The Football Sack (@TheFootballSack) October 8, 2017
If anything, Smith carried off his post-game interview with even more aplomb.
"It's a lot faster than the league I normally play in but I've been training with the first team for quite a while now and the boys have been real great in training, getting me up to speed," he said.
As for his performance: "It was okay," he said.
"I was a bit nervy on the first two crosses I came for. I was punching them and probably should have caught them but I felt I came into the game better. Started a bit nervy but ended better."
Dario Vidosic headed Wellington into the lead on five minutes before the Reds' Danish signing, Johan Absalonsen, restored parity soon after (10').
Smith was satisfied with the result adding: "I thought we didn't give up many chances at all...we had a tight backline, it was quality, just needed to put away some goal chances."
Keegan Smith is going to be sent to his room soon if he keeps mucking around #ALeague #WELvADL
— The Football Sack (@TheFootballSack) October 8, 2017
Really hope there is a senior pro going to put his arm around Keegan Smith at half time and tell him to breath. #WELvADL
— Martyn Sims (@martynsims) October 8, 2017
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