Bright, Olivieri work the give-and-go – Equalizer Soccer

© Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

There were lots of good goals in the National Women’s Soccer League over the weekend. Messiah Bright’s equalizer for the Dash against Bay FC probably wouldn’t make a highlight reel of the Top 5. But it was an interesting goal nonetheless, and unlike many others, not entirely on account of a defensive blunder.

This one started, not with a defensive blunder, but with a Jordan Silkowitz free kick that went a long way but ultimately landed out of bounds. Dash throw in.

They took the throw-in backwards and here’s where the sequence began. Nothing special about this position for the Dash. In fact the trend around the NWSL of late is for this sort of scenario to lead to a turnover and chance for Bay. Note how six of their 10 outfield players are positioned to make it particularly difficult to play out. We can see the other four, but a few moments later we can see that all 10 are on the near side. The Dash could have tried to switch the point, or play through.