Since there’s no official US Goal of the Year honor to help wrap up this year in US soccer, I came up my own award to celebrate the best scores by the WNT. In a year characterized by struggle, apparent chemistry issues, a new head coach, and a different game plan, it’s been difficult to find a lot of bright spots as the US moves into next summer’s World Cup. Watching these goals on a loop should tide fans over until the first set of European friendlies in early February.

My favorite goal to watch, over and over and over again, is the rocket launched by Meghan Klingenberg against Haiti at CONCACAF qualifiers back in October. As it happens, it’s also up for the very real CONCACAF Goal of the Year. Its superiority lies in its swagger: this just looked better than anything else that went into the net for the US all year. Also, I’m giving extra points for defender goals, because defender goals are always the best.

If there were runners-up for make-believe awards, Alex Morgan’s second-half left-footer against France (scrub the video above to 1:45) would garner plenty of support. The sentimentality of her first goal in just over a year can’t be denied. You can see how badly she wanted to score, and the emotional celebration with the American Outlaws was downright touching.

I would also submit Tobin Heath’s second goal against Guatemala, another from CONCACAF qualifiers, for sheer cheek. Tobin get points for this divinely-inspired backheel flick on degree of difficulty, aesthetic delight, but mostly for the nonchalance she displayed as she popped the ball into goal with the sole of her boot. Actually, let’s have another look at this one, too.

Check back later for my picks for the best NWSL matchups of the year. What were your favorite goals scored by the US women in 2014?