Anatomy of a goal: Aliyu pounces off the press

(image via Houston Dynamo FC)

The Houston Dynamo were beaten on the road, 2-1 by the Chicago Fire Saturday night. The Dynamo got their one goal for Aliyu Ibrahim taking advantage of a well-executed team press.

Today we’re breaking down Aliyu’s goal. All the images we’re using are from the Apple TV broadcast and Major League Soccer’s YouTube highlight video.

The play begins with Chicago possessing the ball deep in their own half. Amine Bassi is pressing as the false nine, to close down Tobias Salquist (circle).

The ball is moved right to Arnaud Souquet (circle) and the Dynamo press is in full force. Brad Smith and Bassi are closest to the ball with Coco Carrasquilla and Aliyu on the second level. Sebastian Kowalczyk is pushing into the center, as well.

Souquet plays the ball inside to Fabian Herbers (circle). Bassi closes him down quickly.

Bassi gets a foot (circle) on Herbers’ attempted one-touch pass back to his center back. Aliyu (rectangle) is waiting to pounce.

Aliyu picks up the the loose ball and drives forward (circle). There is a gap between the two center backs that Aliyu sees. Kowalczyk is also making a run into the space to provide an option to pass to.

Kowalczyk (rectangle) is in space waiting for a pass. Aliyu (circle) decides to go it alone and shoot.

Aliyu picks out the top corner (circle) with a fantastic finish to tie the game in the 65th minute.

From the camera in the goal, we can see the gap Aliyu had between the two defenders (rectangles). The Nigerian did well to squeeze his shot off between the two Fire players and into the top corner.

The goal was Aliyu’s team-leading third this season. Unfortunately for the Dynamo, Chicago scored a winner not long after to deny the Dynamo leaving soldier field with any points.