What is a Brace in Soccer? No, It’s Not For Your Teeth.
A ābraceā in soccer is when a player scores two goals in a single game.
Following a brace is a hat trick where a player scores three goals.
It doesn’t matter which half of the soccer game the two goals are scored in. Two goals equals a brace in soccer. Itās that straightforward!
Why is it Called a Brace?
The term brace is more common in European soccer.
In American soccer, youāll often hear a player who scored two goals as simply āhe or she scored two goalsā (not typically a brace).
The word ābraceā comes from the Old English language and signifies a pair of something that was shot down. This was an old hunting term.
For example, āYesterday, I hunted and shot a brace of birds in the pasture.ā The Hunter killed two birds during his hunting trip.
The term transitioned into the soccer scene back in the 19th century where it continued to gain popularity.
Strikers often āhuntā for goals and can come away with one, two, three or more. Is this a stretch in the use of the term? Probably is! But, it stuck for whatever reason.
Is 4 Goals a Brace in Soccer?
Nope! If a player scores four goals in a single soccer match, it is not considered two braces or a double brace.
Instead, four goals are known as a āhaulā.
Again, like many other soccer terms, it is not official and has stuck with the soccer community over time.
Final Thoughts
Scoring a brace in a match is very impressive.
For the most talented players in the world – including youth soccer players – many strive for the coveted hat trick.
Now, youāll better understand it when you hear the announcers yelling āhe bagged his third brace of the season!ā.
If you are a Striker, go for the brace or hat trick next time you play a game! Because why not š