Christen Press scored a goal on Wednesday which we still can’t totally explain.
The actual shot itself wasn’t overly impressive — it was the first touch to settle the ball, combined seamlessly with a spin-turn, which was truly impressive. Watch for yourself:
WATCH: @ChristenPress is https://t.co/UL5Cz7MD80
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) February 11, 2016
We’ll slow it down for you even more in this slow-mo GIF:
It’s easy to appreciate bending free kicks, diving headers, bicycles — all that flashy stuff. Press’ goal on Wednesday in a 5-0 win over Costa Rica to open CONCACAF Olympic qualifying was a technical feat unlike any of those aforementioned. The skill required to trap that ball perfectly dead should not be overlooked.
[MORE: Alex Morgan scores 12 seconds after opening kickoff]