The Definitive Angle: MLS Week 6
The Definitive Angle is PRO’s analysis of the week’s Video Review use in MLS.
Week 6 overview
There were two Video Reviews during Week 6.
DC vs PHI: Review for goal (offside in the APP) – given
What happened: The only goal of the game was awarded as a result of a Video Review intervention to overturn an incorrect offside flag against Kacper Przybylko (PHI). Przybylko had received a pass from teammate Jamiro Monteiro (PHI) before slotting the ball past goalkeeper Jonathan Kempin (DC) into the goal. However, the assistant referee flagged Przybylko offside, and the goal was therefore disallowed by the on-field officials.
On-field decision: No goal – offside.
Type of review: Goal.
Final decision after review: Goal.
Length of review: 1:35.
PRO’s Opinion: The VAR could see that Przybylko was being played onside by two DC United players when the pass was made by Monteiro. The goal was correctly awarded. This was a good use of Video Review to rectify a clear error in a very important moment of the match.
NSH vs ATX: Review for goal (offside in the APP) – not given
What happened: A goal was scored and awarded to Austin by the on-field officials. The goalscorer Jared Stroud (ATX) had been in an offside position when the ball was flicked to him by the head of teammate Daniel Pereira (ATX), who himself had been the subject of a late foul from an opponent having headed the ball, for which the referee applied advantage. However, the offside position of Stroud had not been identified in real-time by the assistant referee.
On-field decision: Goal.
Type of review: No goal – offside.
Final decision after review: No goal – offside. Indirect freekick.
Length of review: 2:14.
PRO’s Opinion: Stroud was in an offside position. The referee correctly disallowed the goal and instead awarded a direct freekick to Austin for the initial late foul on Pereira, from which he had previously applied advantage. Because Stroud had been in an offside position, the advantage to Austin didn’t exist, and the referee was correct to award a freekick for the foul in this case.