January GOTM Contest -- Win $25 Soccer Gift Cert

It's time for the January Goal Of The Month Contest!

My monthly attempt to give away a $25 soccer gift certificate.

It's SIMPLE. Just leave a comment with the Goal you think is the most terrific & your name. Talk about an easy $25.

Remember, the GOTM is open to all members of the eXtreme family. Last month the Thompson's all entered the GOTM competition (that's four votes) and guess what... One of them won. Way to go guys. Moral of the story... Just vote.

January is a special month because there are only SIX GOALS to choose from!!

No hints this time. But I have a strong feeling about one of them...




Goals:

1) Clint Dempsey (USA!USA!USA! & Fulham) - Confident strike to say the least. The GOTM crew like distance shots & this is one of the best volleys of the year. Dempsey and Zamora are outnumbered on a counter attack (2 v 6). So after flicking the ball forward, Dempsey looks for the return. The ball sits up nicely and he uses the falling ball to create top-spin and give the Goalkeeper NO CHANCE. Get well soon kid. WoW!

2) Steven Pienaar (Everton) - A game winning counter-attack breakaway goal. What gets the GOTM nod is the style, composure, and inventiveness all under the pressure of 50,000 people cheering/jeering you. The replay shows just how delicate a chip this was. It cleared the GK by inches & then teased the chasing defenders by creeping over the line almost in slow-motion.wOW!

3) Ashley Cole (Chelsea) - The English were raving about this goal for many reasons. First, the pass from Center-Back John Terry, a incredible piece of skill on it's own to hit a sprinting teammate with a one-touch pass from 50 yards with the accuracy of Payton Manning. Second, Ashley Cole's first touch is incredible control, his second touch losses the defender with a Cruyff move(also watch on the replay how he also gives a head fake), and the third seals the deal. All on his left foot - mind. WOW!

4) Morten Gamst Pedersen (Blackburn) - A stunning volley. Outside the left foot, under presure, moving away from goal, and he still slams it in the upper corner. I also like watching the second replay for the last defender on the line who tries to be a GK! LOL!

5) Nicolas Anelka (Chelsea) - It starts with a good quick outlet from GK Cech to the #7. #7 find #11. #11 draws the defense and lays the ball back unselfishly to the #9. #9 does what good #9's do.... Score. A well executed goal for sure.

6) Wayne Rooney (ManUtd) - I've highlighted this goal on the blog before. Rooney's Lung-Busting 100 yard run takes him past 6 Arsenal defenders. It's an example of pure determination, talent and resolve. He starts the attack by providing a good outlet after his team defends a corner-kick. Then he gets on his horse. Demands the ball and dispatches the finish. It was a game-winning moment! wow!

Winner will be revealed in a Week! So get your votes in early. In case of a tie, we will draw names from a hat of the winners.