If you really want to be grammatically correct, then neither of these expressions should be used exactly as you have typed them.
When you say "large amount of.......", the verb is acting on the noun, "amount", which is a singular noun, so a singular verb should be used: "was", not "were". Similarly, when you say "large number of......", the verb is acting on the noun, "number", which is a singular noun, so a singular verb should be used: "was", not "were". When you say "many goals.....", the verb is acting on the noun, "goals", which is a plural noun, so a plural verb should be used: "were", not "was".
Hope this explanation keeps both you and your friend smiling.

Crazy is quite right - "a large number of goals was scored" is correct but it sounds rather ugly. "Many goals were scored" sounds better to me. I always go for the least number of words!

I'm with Crazystitcher, I have a BA in English, yes, we're coming out of th woodwork, hee hee hee. The problem is, these expressions have been misused for so long that they sound "wrong" when you say them correctly. If your dispute was over "amount" or "number", think of it this way: a "number" is definable, finite, can be counted. An "amount" is kind of like sugar or flour, infinite grains, so you have to say the "amount" is a cup of sugar or flour, not a number. I know, clear as mud. That's why I wasn't a teacher. But I'm with Sue, "Many goals were scored." Or better yet, the active form, "Our team scored many goals." (or, hopefully, "The other team scored many goals, but they still couldn't win over our team's many more!" hee hee hee)

I think I will stick with math and science--there are too many rules in English, with too many exceptions.

I love soccer and cheer for any and all goals scored.
Ooh and aah over the near misses too.
It all adds to the love of of the game.
I did read all comments on the grammer and will try to remember my verbs and nouns.
Have a great day.
Hugs

Thank you all for your input - even more confused. LOL.

Before I read everyone's responses, this elementary teacher would keep it simple and say, "Many goals were scored." If you can count it - use "many." If you have to measure it in a cup or something, use "much." Now I'm going to see what other teachers have said!

Hi Sarah,

According to Grammar-Monster.com -------------------

"The term "amount of" is used for things you cannot measure (See non-countable nouns). It usually precedes a singular word.

The term "number of" precedes a plural, countable noun. It can be applied to both animate and inanimate objects."

Taken from the above website. Love Chris

Oh the joys of English!

A bigger image so you can read what it says!

Looks like you have stired a hornets nest with this one... I think it all depends where you went to school, everyone says words or phrases differently but I would uses the latter or is it later?

It is really interesting that English grammar is the same wherever we are in the world. I wonder why it doesn't extend to spelling.....
Incidentally, there are tentative moves afoot here in England to abolish the apostrophe.