It’s not every day that a goalkeeper scores a goal, especially in a FIFA tournament. But that’s exactly what happened in 2011 when Quillan Roberts, a young Canadian goalkeeper, etched his name in history.
The Canadian under-17 team was facing England in a group stage match. Canada had been on a losing streak at the tournament, but Roberts’ unexpected goal turned the game on its head.
A Moment of Glory
Canada was trailing England 2-1 in the closing minutes of the match. The team was desperate for an equalizer, and Roberts, who had only recently entered the game as a substitute, found himself with an opportunity.
With no one closing him down, Roberts decided to take a chance. He took a pass from a teammate and booted the ball from his own half, sending it soaring towards the English goal.
“I was surprised they didn’t come at me, as they had been pressuring me earlier in the game, “ Roberts said after the match. “I just kept coming up the field.”
The goal was a “freak clearance-cum-shot,” according to the English Football Association. But for Canada, it was a moment of pure joy. The 2-2 draw marked the first time Canada had ever earned a point at the under-17 tournament.
Roberts’ goal also made history as the first-ever goal scored by a goalkeeper in a FIFA 11-a-side finals competition. FIFA even called it “historic.”
From a Small-Town Hero to a Canadian Icon
Roberts’ story is a testament to the power of perseverance. He was a young man from Brampton, Ontario, who had a dream of playing professional soccer.
He started his career at the Toronto FC academy, eventually moving to the first team. While he didn’t get much playing time in Major League Soccer, he played a crucial role in helping Toronto win the Canadian Championship in 2012 and 2016.
Roberts later found success in the Canadian Premier League, playing for Forge FC and helping them win their first championship in 2019.
His international career included a brief stint with the Canadian national team and a later switch to the Guyanese national team.
Roberts’ journey is an inspiration to young players around the world. He proves that even a goalkeeper can become a hero.
A Moment in Time
Roberts’ goal may have been a fluke, but it was a goal that changed everything. It not only brought Canada a much-needed draw but also launched Roberts’ career.
While Roberts may not have become a superstar like England’s Jordan Pickford, who now plays for Everton in the Premier League, Roberts’ story is still a remarkable one. He proves that even the most unlikely heroes can rise to the occasion.
Roberts’ goal is a reminder that anything is possible in the world of soccer. It’s a story that will continue to be told for years to come.
Remember Quillan Roberts, the goalkeeper who scored a goal that will forever be etched in the annals of Canadian soccer history.
