Scoring Question Redux

[phatneff]

Originally Posted by Eastshire

That's a good question. I think the answer for me is yes. If the keeper just let's it go, it's a goal kick. His action causes the goal so it's his.

Ok, this is my opinion. If a ball is heading in the direction of the goal (i.e., a shot on goal compared to a shot that would go wide or above the goal) from an offensive player, that player should be given credit for the goal, assuming he is the last offensive player to touch it, and regardless if it touches a defensive player before entering the goal. The throw-in would fit this criteria.

I think of an own goal as the opposite of that, where the ball is NOT heading in the direction of the goal but deflects off a defensive player into the goal, such as from a crossing pass.