Canadian goal-scorer and URFC striker Diana Matheson scored her first goal for the club on Saturday night, May 5, against the Washington Spirit at Rio Tinto Stadium. A tackle won against Spirit DF Estelle Johnson left Matheson with a one versus one chance on frame, which she cleanly chipped into the back of the net. Her composure on top of the box and well-placed shot has made Matheson a prime contestant for this week’s “Goal of the Week” vote. Let’s break it down.
1. A Tackling Machine
Both goals for URFC came as the result of a Diana Matheson tackle. Reading a slow-ball to the Spirit center back, Matheson pounced on the play, tackling the ball away and towards the Washington goal. Timed perfectly, Matheson’s tackle pushed the ball to the perfect distance for her to run on too – yet far enough from an oncoming keeper.
2. The Canadian chip
In the split-second before getting taken out by the Washington goal keeper, Matheson looked up to see Bledsoe running away from a wide open frame. Instead of putting her head down to shoot, Matheson, with immense composure, decided to lift the ball with the toe of her foot, lofting the ball high into the air before dropping past the goal line.
3. The Celebration
After chipping the ball into the back of the net, Matheson was taken out, landing face first into the green grass of Rio Tinto Stadium. Still laying on the field, Matheson celebrated her first URFC goal with both fists in the air, in front of a cheering crowd in gold. Surrounded by screaming teammates, Matheson would then continue to play a prominent role in the match, helping the team in obtaining the second clean-sheet of the season. As Matheson stated in a post-game interview, “This was long overdue.”
Vote now!
You can vote for Diana Matheson in the “Goal of the Week” contest on twitter, by using the hashtag #MathesonGOW, or voting on the NWSL’s twitter poll at @NWSL. Spread the word to your friends and retweet the action at @UtahRoyalsFC on twitter.