Green’s Dictionary of Slang

(US) to knock down, to stun, to defeat; thus knock someone for a goal, to astonish.

1915		T.A. Dorgan in N.Y. Eve. Journal 2 Aug. 10: If you make any cracks I’ll knock you for a ghoul.
1923		H.C. Witwer Fighting Blood 97: You lead with your right to this guy and he’ll goal you sure!
1929		J. Lait Broadway Melody 46: I’ll be pullin’ for you, but I can’t sing an’ hoof for you. Go to it, an’ ghoul ’em.
1929		S. Ornitz Haunch Paunch and Jowl 106: That’s when I’m gonna show them a combination step that’s gonna knock them for a gool.
1933		Hecht & Fowler Great Magoo 74: I’m gonna give them the bells on the repeat. I’ll gool ’em.
1942		W. Pegler George Spelvin Chats 75: President Spelvin Swings on Russian Ambassador and Is Goaled by Left to Chin.