What is a Brace in Soccer? No, It’s Not For Your Teeth.

A “brace” 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. It’s that straightforward!

Why is it Called a Brace?

The term brace is more common in European soccer.

In American soccer, you’ll often hear a player who scored two goals as simply “he or she scored two goals” (not typically a brace).

The word ‘brace’ comes from the Old English language and signifies a pair of something that was shot down. This was an old hunting term.

For example, “Yesterday, I hunted and shot a brace of birds in the pasture.” 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 ‘hunt’ 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 ‘haul’.

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, you’ll better understand it when you hear the announcers yelling “he bagged his third brace of the season!”.

If you are a Striker, go for the brace or hat trick next time you play a game! Because why not 🙂