on goal vs in goal

[ostap77]

1) Does the goalkeeper play on goal or in goal?

2) Does a player kick the ball on goal or in goal?

 

[emsr2d2]

The goalkeeper (just one word) plays in goal.
Players want to get the ball in/into the goal.
They get a shot on target if it goes in the goal.

 

[SoothingDave]

In hockey, the goalie plays in goal.

They keep track of "shots on goal," but it is the ones that go in the goal that score.

 

[ostap77]

Is 'on goal' used only in phrases like "a kick on goal" or "a shot on goal"?

 

[Rover_KE]

They get a shot on target if it goes in the goal.

Afraid not, ems. A shot on target is a shot which would have scored if the ball had not been saved or deflected by a defender.

 

[ostap77]

Does it sound OK to say "He made a kick on goal."?

 

[Rover_KE]

A native English speaker wouldn't say that.

'He took a shot' is what we say. Everybody understands he is trying to score — not aiming a kick at the corner flag.

 

[emsr2d2]

Afraid not, ems. A shot on target is a shot which would have scored if the ball had not been saved or deflected by a defender.

Really? I thought a shot on target either went in or was saved but the important point was that its angle and trajectory were correct! Well, blow me down. I started going to live football matches when I was 8 and I have believed that to be the case ever since. Next you'll be telling me I've got the offside rule wrong and you'll be ruing the day women started watching football! ;-)