Facing Melbourne Victory in the opening clash of the season, Roar proved too resilient for the home side, completing a 2-0 win despite playing the final 20 minutes of the match a man short.

It was a day of many firsts for the boys from Queensland with the first three points, the first goal and the first red card of the new competition all registered to the away side.

National Youth League coach Rado Vidosic was thrilled with his side's performance against a very accomplished Victory outfit in warm and breezy conditions.

"We defended extremely well," Vidosic said. "We had plenty of numbers behind the ball.

"That was the way we felt we needed to play as the team was playing its first match together.

"We were able to hit them on the counter."

Vidosic singled out midfield trio Mitch Nichols, Chris Grossman and captain Adam Sarota for praise along with lone front man Tim Smits.

"Tim Smits did superbly well to hold the ball up," he said.

"He brought other people into the game and also dropped into the midfield to help out."

However, it will be Nichols' name going down in the history books at the first goal-scorer of the inaugural competition after he netted in the 50th minute.

A second goal followed eight minutes later through Brisbane City winger Josh McVey, before Ben Griffin received the first red card of the competition with 20 minutes remaining on the clock.

"After our second goal Melbourne dominated with (Steve) Pantelidis brought into the midfield and he controlled the game," Vidosic said.

"After the send off it was all hands to the pump but we stopped them getting any real opportunities."