In the Dutch Eredivisie women’s league, Excelsior’s goalkeeper punched the spare ball onto the field after missing Ajax striker Romée Leuchter‘s free kick as it banged off the crossbar. But the game ball soared high and bounced into the net to complete Leuchter’s hat trick in the 3-1 Ajax win.

Not ready to subscribe? Sign up here for our free newsletter.

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Soccer America Executive Editor Mike Woitalla has written freelance articles about soccer for more than 30 media outlets in nine nations. The winner of eight United Soccer Coaches Writing Contest awards,...