The Definitive Angle: MLS Week 5
The Definitive Angle is PRO’s analysis of the week’s Video Review use in MLS.
Week 5 overview
There were five Video Review during Week 5.
HOU vs NYC: Review for penalty kick (foul challenge) – not given
What Happened: Héctor Herrera (HOU) went down in the penalty area after a challenge by Tayvon Gray (NYC). The referee did not identify an offense in real-time and allowed play to continue.
When the VAR checked the footage of the incident, he saw that Gray kicked the left foot of Herrera and tripped him, causing him to fall, and this prevented him from continuing with the ball in front of goal.
The VAR recommended an on-field review for a possible penalty, and the referee agreed and awarded the penalty kick.
On-field decision: Play on.
Type of review: Penalty kick.
Final decision after review: Penalty.
Length of review: 1:39.
PRO’s Opinion: This was a good, efficient use of the Video Review system to rectify a clear and obvious error.
ATX vs COL: Review for goal (offside) – given
What Happened: A goal was scored by Jon Gallagher (ATX) but disallowed by the on-field officials for an offside offense. Because the AR had delayed his flag, the VAR was able to check it once Gallagher had scored the goal.
When the VAR checked the footage, he determined that Gallagher was in an onside position when the ball was last played to him by Sebastián Driussi (ATX). He, therefore, recommended a Video Review for a goal.
After seeing the footage at the RRA, the referee agreed and awarded the goal.
On-field decision: Offside.
Type of review: Goal – no offside.
Final decision after review: Goal.
Length of review: 2:14.
PRO’s Opinion: This was a good use of the Video Review system to rectify a clear and obvious error.
What Happened: A goal was scored by Edwin Cerrillo (DAL) and awarded by the on-field officials.
When the VAR checked the footage of the incident, he saw that Jáder Obrian (DAL) was in an offside position and had moved directly in front of goalkeeper John McCarthy (LAFC) as the shot was traveling toward the goal.
The proximity of Obrian to the goalkeeper and the movement in front of the goalkeeper impacted his ability to make a play on the ball. The VAR recommended a Video Review for offside (interfering with an opponent).
The referee disallowed the goal and restarted play with an indirect free kick.
On-field decision: Goal.
Type of review: No goal – offside (interfering with an opponent).
Final decision after review: Offside – indirect free kick.
Length of review: 2:03.
PRO’s Opinion: This was a good use of the Video Review system to disallow a goal for offside, interfering with an opponent.
What Happened: The referee issued a yellow card to Emmanuel Twumasi (DAL) for a reckless challenge on Sergi Palencia (LAFC).
Palencia headed the ball past Twumasi, who came into the challenge with a high rate of speed and did not play the ball. Twumasi had turned his body, leading with his shoulder, and made contact using his shoulder and upper arm into the head of Palencia.
Due to the speed, force, and point of contact, the VAR recommended an on-field review for a possible red card. After Video Review, the referee rescinded the original yellow card issued and issued a red card.
On-field decision: Yellow card (reckless challenge).
Type of review: Red card (serious foul play).
Final decision after review: Red card.
Length of review: 2:25.
PRO’s Opinion: This was a good use of the Video Review system to reach the correct outcome.
What Happened: Carlos Vela (LAFC) went down in the penalty area after a challenge by Tsiki Ntsabeleng (DAL). The referee did not identify an offense in real-time and allowed play to continue.
When the VAR checked the footage of the incident, he saw that Vela had beaten Ntsabeleng to the loose ball. Ntsabeleng had reached for it with his right leg but did not play the ball; instead, he made contact with the front of the legs of Vela and tripped him.
The VAR recommended a Video Review for a goal, and, after seeing the footage for himself at the RRA, the referee agreed and awarded the penalty.
On-field decision: Play on.
Type of review: Penalty kick.
Final decision after review: Penalty.
Length of review: 1:45.
PRO’s Opinion: This was an efficient and effective use of the Video Review system to rectify a clear and obvious error.