A VfL Bochum player has been nominated for ARD-Sportschau’s Goal of the Month. A goal against VfL is also up for selection.

Hoffenheim goalkeeper Oliver Baumann could only look behind him as Kevin Stöger gave VfL Bochum the lead with a stroke of genius on the last weekend of April. He took a few steps on the run-up before firing a perfect finish into the left-hand corner.

The midfielder made it 1:0 for his team with a direct free-kick in VfL’s 3:2 home win. The goal after just over half an hour caused an explosion of emotion in the Ruhrstadion, as Stöger laid the foundation for an immensely important victory in the relegation battle – the first in many weeks.

And now, the Austrian can even hope to receive a personal award for his skillful shot. ARD-Sportschau has included the free-kick in its selection for the Goal of the Month for April. Fans can vote for Stöger on the Sportschau website until May 18.

However, his goal is not the only one from the clash between Bochum and Hoffenheim to make it onto the list of five goals. TSG striker Andrej Kramaric, who scored the 2:3 in the closing stages to create some excitement, is also on the list

The Croatian needed just two touches to control a long ball from his own half on the edge of the Bochum penalty area and then flick it over VfL goalkeeper Manuel Riemann. Goals from Maxence Lacroix (VfL Wolfsburg), Jovana Damnjanovic (FC Bayern Munich Women) and Daniel Frahn (SV Babelsberg) are also in the running.

Should Stöger win the race, he would be the ninth Bochum player overall to win the prestigious vote. The last time Goncalo Pacienca achieved this was last December. Before that, it was Gerrit Holtmann, who even scored the Goal of the Year in August 2021, Simon Zoller (September 2020), Anthony Losilla (July 2017), Thomas Christiansen (August 2002), Delron Buckley (April 2000), Sergej Juran (September 1997) and Werner Balte (June 1971).