the soccer or hockey player assigned to protect the goal
"The goalkeeper dove to his left to save a critical penalty kick."
the defensive position on an ice hockey or soccer or lacrosse team who stands in front of the goal and tries to prevent opposing players from scoring
"The goalkeeper dove desperately to block the final shot before time expired."
a designated player that attempts to prevent the opposing team from scoring by protecting a goal.
"The goalkeeper dove to his left and saved the shot, successfully preventing the opposing team from scoring."