The Definitive Angle: NWSL Week 2
The Definitive Angle is PRO’s analysis of the week’s Video Review use in NWSL.
Week 2 overview
There were two Video Reviews during Week 2.
CHI vs HOU: Review for penalty kick (foul challenge) – not given
What Happened: Diana Ordóñez (HOU) went down in the penalty area after a challenge by Tatumn Milazzo (CHI). 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 Milazzo attempted to play the ball with her leg but did not make contact with the ball. Instead, she made contact with the top of the left foot of Ordóñez and tripped her.
The referee correctly awarded a penalty kick after seeing the video evidence.
On-field decision: Play on.
Type of review: Penalty kick.
Final decision after review: Penalty.
Length of review: 2:55.
PRO’s Opinion: This was a good use of the Video Review system to rectify a clear and obvious error.
SD vs NC: Review for penalty kick (handball) – not given
What Happened: A shot from Makenzy Doniak (SD) struck the hand of Kiki Pickett (NC), which was extended away from her body and created a barrier for the ball. The referee did not identify an offense in real-time and allowed play to continue.
When the VAR checked the footage of the incident, she saw the handball as an infraction and recommended a Video Review for a penalty. The referee agreed and awarded the penalty kick and issued a yellow card to Pickett for stopping a promising attack.
On-field decision: Play on.
Type of review: Penalty kick.
Final decision after review: Penalty and yellow card (SPA).
Length of review: 5:10.
PRO’s Opinion: Pickett’s right forearm was away from her body making herself bigger. This was a good use of the Video Review system to reach the correct outcome.