College soccer player scores after opposing goalie smokes a kick off her head

Louisville forward McKalie Ball scored an unusual equaliser when a clearance from North Carolina goalkeeper Peyton Trayer struck her in the head and rebounded into the empty goal. The goal briefly levelled the match and showed how a pressing challenge can turn a routine clearance into a scoring chance.

The incident came in the 73rd minute, with Louisville trailing 2-1 in its final regular-season match. Ball, a freshman from Knoxville, needed treatment and was helped off the field; North Carolina later won 3-2 through Hope Munson’s 79th-minute goal. The Tar Heels were ranked No. 2 and Louisville No. 24, with the ACC tournament due to begin on 8 November and the NCAA women’s tournament on 20 November.