In an era where the sport’s biggest moments are scrutinized in slow-motion to find an inch of infraction, the long-range goal has become a necessary thrill. VAR only comes into play if a loitering teammate is caught between the shooter and goalkeeper. They also hatch a comfortingly familiar point of debate: was there anything that could’ve been done to save it?
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We can safely count Zavier Gozo’s wonder goal this weekend among the unsaveable. The Real Salt Lake homegrown has been one of the best players in Major League Soccer’s early weeks, a 19-year-old danger down the right flank who can slot in as a winger or wing back with similar impact. He’s quickly become one of the most proven progressive dribblers in the entire US player pool, and has shot up the scouting priority queues of several major European clubs.
On Saturday, RSL was maintaining a one-goal lead over visiting Sporting Kansas City when Gozo collected the ball just outside the box. Left unmarked by Manu García, Gozo flicked it up to himself and volleyed it to the far post, leaving John Pulskamp to dive in vain. Indeed, you can’t spell “golazo” without Gozo, who now has two goals and three assists in 539 minutes.
Wessam Abou Ali likely also qualifies for the “fully deserved” distinction for his second goal in Columbus’ 3-1 away win at Atlanta United. After heading in the opener, the Palestine international ran on to a through ball, cut backwards like a running back, used the defenders to screen each other,and found a clear lane for an audacious strike to the far corner.
Atlanta’s transition defending has been a mess for a couple of years, but it’s a clever reading of space from Abou Ali.
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Other long range goals defy all explanation and are undoubtedly the goalkeeper’s fault. Colorado was working to see out a 2-1 lead in Toronto when Keegan Rosenberry played a back pass to goalkeeper Zack Steffen from near the center circle. The pass itself was far from ideal, but a gust of wind complicated its path back to goal, apparently swerving at the worst possible moment.
The former Manchester City goalkeeper was visibly dismayed at the gaffe, and was ultimately credited with the own goal.
The mayhem helped Toronto reclaim a point. Unfortunately for Steffen’s blushes, they weren’t done yet.
Sargent saves to open his account
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