College football player Zoey Mahoney scored one of the most incredible goals of the year as her somersault throw-in gave Drake University the lead against the University of Northern Iowa. The remarkable goal had some fans online questioning its validity, but it stood due to a loophole in the rules – and Mahoney went viral as a result.
Mahoney’s goal hit headlines as she scored directly from a flip throw-in in the fifth minute of her college contest. Although goals scored directly from throw-ins are traditionally ruled out, the first-year player’s effort counted as the ball hit the opposition goalkeeper.
Mahoney flipped on the sidelines to generate incredible power, launching the ball through the air. It looped over the defenders’ heads in the crowded penalty area and toward goalkeeper Caitlin Richards, who failed to prevent it from going into the net.
According to FIFA regulations, a goal cannot be scored directly from a throw-in with a goal kick usually given to the defending team instead. However, the goal counted because Richards attempted to save the throw-in, touching the ball before it snuck in.
If the shot stopper had decided to let the ball go without touching it, Mahoney’s goal would have been ruled out. After the referee awarded the goal, Mahoney celebrated wildly with her teammates with Richards likely left frustrated for making such an error.
While flip throw-ins are rarely seen at the top level of football, the move is somewhat common in college soccer, while it was seen at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup back in 2008. Brazil’s Leah Fortune launched the ball into Mexico’s penalty box for her teammate to eventually head home.
Ultimately, the technique is used to generate more mometum for the throw-in, allowing the player to launch it 40 yards. Mahoney utilised the play to perfection to score and give Drake University the win.
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Fans were stunned by the goal, with one user (@ScottHevel) writing: “I thought they outlawed the flip throw in. Is that allowed? Awesome.”
Mahoney’s Drake University went on to win 2-1, with Emma Nagel adding a second for the Bulldogs in the 58th minute. Macy Smith struck for the he University of Northern Iowa in the 66th minute, but they could not find an equaliser as Drake held on to secure the victory.
The defeat in the thrilling Missouri Valley Conference opener, which was the University of Northern Iowa’s first regular season loss since September 2022, ended the team’s eight-match unbeaten streak. The win marks Drake’s first MVC opening victory since 2018.
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