Anatomy of a goal: Brad Smith scores a stoppage time winner

(image via Houston Dynamo FC)

The Houston Dynamo picked up their first MLS road win of the season in their first away match. The lone goal from the game came from Brad Smith deep into stoppage time on an assist from fellow substitute Sebas Ferreira.

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

Before we get into the goal itself, let’s address the controversy. Yes, Andreas Maxso took an elbow to the face in the box that broke his nose.Yes, that should have been called a foul on the Dynamo. Yes, the referee should have stopped play for a head injury. Yes, the Rapids continued playing to try and score as well. All of these things are true. And yes, the real referees will be back this weekend.

The play begins with Keegan Rosenberry on the ball (circle) attempting to play the ball into the box for a late winner. Maxso is down in the box on the right of the screen and the Rapids play on.

Rosenberry’s cross is contested in the box (circle) by a number of players but no one gets a clean connection on it.

The ball pops out to the top of the box for Artur to control (circle) and he immediately looks up field to counter. Brad Smith, just off the bench with fresh legs, begins to break up field (arrow).

Artur looks left at Smith, first, before seeing Sebas Ferreira free down the field on his right to hit a long pass too (circle).

Artur’s long pass hits Ferreira (circle) in stride and it’s now a 2-v-2 the other way. Smith has so much space to run into (arrow) if he can outpace Rosenberry.

Ferreira (circle) drives at Rapids defender Lalas Abubakar to engage him and allow Smith the space. Smith is now clear of Rosenberry and onside.

Ferreira (circle) now has a perfect lane to pass into and lead Smith through on goal.

Ferreira’s path hits Smith in stride (circle) and he is behinid both Rapids defenders, Rosenberry and Abubakar (rectangle).

Smith drives into the box (circle) and looks to have just a small target (rectangle) at the far post to shoot for with Rapids goalkeeper Zack Steffen coming off his line.

Smith’s shot beats Steffen, under his left hand, and he wheels away in celebration.

Give the Dynamo credit for playing to the whistle. The play should have been stopped but that isn’t something Smith or the Dynamo will dwell on. They’ll gladly take the three points to kick off their 2024 road campaign.