Finishing

Watch: Raheem Sterling’s free kick vs. Leicester City somehow gets worse with every new angle

The Raheem Sterling free kick vs Leicester City from Chelsea’s 4-2 FA Cup quarterfinal victory went viral due to how awful it was. We’re not exaggerating when we say this could be the worst free kick of all time.

In the 75th minute with the game tied at 2-2, Sterling was presented with a free kick just outside of the Foxes’ box. A major opportunity for the Blues.

Getting the ball up and over the wall but still on target isn’t easy from that close, but Sterling was prepared. He confidently stepped up, smashed the ball and then probably knocked someone out in the 25th row.

Christian Pulisic scores in third-straight game for AC Milan with lovely finish in Europa League

Christian Pulisic opened the scoring in AC Milan’s 3-1 victory against Slavia Praha in the Europa League Round of 16 on Thursday. Milan advanced to the quarterfinals 7-3 on aggregate with Pulisic scoring two of the goals in the tie.

The Pulisic goal vs Slavia Praha on Thursday came in the first half when Rafael Leão found the American open near top of the box. Pulisic was composed, evaded a defender and tucked away the finish into the bottom corner.

We’re still trying to figure out how Cristiano Ronaldo missed this sitter from 3 yards away

An unthinkable Cristiano Ronaldo miss vs. Al Ain in the AFC Champions League quarterfinal on Monday proved crucial as Al Nassr were eliminated on penalties.

United Arab Emirates side Al Ain won the first leg at home 1-0 but faced a tall task in the return leg in Saudi Arabia. They shocked the hosts taking a 2-0 lead in the first half, but then the Saudi side mounted a comeback.

Ronaldo had a massive opportunity to tie the aggregate score in the 61st minute when Al Ain’s goalkeeper spilled the ball right in front of the Portuguese star. What happened next was shocking.

Christian Pulisic scores Milan’s game-winner, reaches double-digit goals for his first time in four seasons

Christian Pulisic found the back of the net again for AC Milan on Sunday as he bagged the winner in the Italian side’s 1-0 victory vs. Empoli in Serie A at San Siro.

In the 40th minute Milan forward Noah Okafor found the American star open at the top of the box with a clever cutback pass. 

Pulisic didn’t get the full contact on his shot he would’ve hoped for, but the soccer gods were on his side as a deflection off Empoli’s Sebastiano Luperto saw the ball trickle into the goal.

USWNT defeat Canada on world’s largest slip-n-slide to advance to Concacaf W Gold Cup final

The United States women’s national team defeated Canada 3-1 on penalties (2-2 after extra time on Wednesday) in the Concacaf W Gold Cup amid horrid weather and field conditions at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, California.

Rain poured down throughout the evening and during the day’s earlier Gold Cup semifinal that saw Brazil defeat Mexico 3-0. By the time the USWNT and Canada took the field it looked more like a swimming pool.

ICYMI: Kylian Mbappé’s goal vs. Real Sociedad was so powerful it broke the net

Kylian Mbappé had a sensational performance for Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday scoring both goals in a 2-1 victory against Real Sociedad. His first goal was so strong that Mbappé broke the net.

In the 15th minute the Frenchman found the tiniest bit of space in his opponent’s box and fired in an effort from an incredibly tight angle.

A look at the replay revealed that Mbappé breaks the net when the ball hits the netting.

Mbappé breaks the net vs. Real Sociedad

Gregg Berhalter has a striker dilemma with three valid options to start for USMNT

United States men’s national team head coach Gregg Berhalter has a decision to make that few people will envy. Who will be the USMNT starting striker?

The answer to that question will be vital for this summer’s Copa América as the USMNT will be tested against South America’s elite teams.

Before the highly anticipated tournament begins, Berhalter will give USMNT fans some insight on which striker(s) he prefers with the Concacaf Nations League in March.

The18’s top five Champions League goals of the week: UCL is back baby

After a two-month break the UEFA Champions League returned this week as the knockout stages kicked off. We at The18 are trying something new and we’re picking our favorites for the best Champions League goals of the week.

Of the four games played this week eight goals were scored. Let’s get into the list.

Top 5 best Champions League goals of the week

5. Kylian Mbappé attacks at the back post

Own goal or not — Amazing rabona goal from Hull City’s Philogene is Puskas worthy

Hull City are one of several Championship clubs vying for the promotion playoffs and secured a big 2-1 victory on Tuesday thanks to an amazing Jaden Philogene rabona goal.

The 22-year-old Hull City forward scored an incredible goal that the internet has been raving and debating about.

Here was the moment Philogene scored a stunner to tie the game 1-1 vs. Rotherham.

Philogene rabona goal

Watch: Erling Haaland reaches insane heights with flying effort vs. Copenhagen

COPENHAGEN — Manchester City survived a scare to beat FC Copenhagen 3-1 in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie at the Parken Stadium on Tuesday, with Phil Foden scoring late to ensure a two-goal cushion ahead of the second leg.

With the Danes still on their winter break, City dominated the opening exchanges and they took the lead in the 10th minute when Kevin De Bruyne scored with a brilliant first-time finish across the keeper and in at the far post.

Pages