consolation goals

Late losing-side tallies

Consolation goals are scored when a team is already losing by a margin too large to overcome—they soften the defeat without changing the outcome.

A team down 5-0 that scores twice finishes with consolation goals: At least we got a couple of consolation goals.

The term extends beyond sports to any minor success amid larger failure.

Opposites

match significance

consolation goalsgame-winners

Plays securing the victory

competitive momentum

consolation goalsequalizers

Things that balance disparities

psychological/competitive value

consolation goalsopener

What begins something

Family