The Definitive Angle: NWSL Week 12
The Definitive Angle is PRO’s analysis of the week’s Video Review use in NWSL.
Week 12 overview
There were two Video Reviews during Week 12.
HOU vs RGN: Review for red card (DOGSO) – not given
What happened: Natalie Jacobs (HOU) challenged Tziarra King (RGN) for the ball. King had beaten Jacobs to a pass, and Jacobs caught her on the top of the foot, fouling her and causing her to go to ground. The referee awarded a direct free kick and issued a yellow card for stopping a promising attack.
The VAR recommended a review because he determined that this offense denied an obvious goal-scoring opportunity. King was outside the penalty area and central, within playing distance of the ball, and with only the goalkeeper in front. The nearest defender was too far to the side to be able to challenge for the ball.
Following Video Review, the referee rescinded the yellow card and issued a red card to Jacobs for DOGSO.
On-field decision: Yellow card (stopping a promising attack).
Type of review: Red card (DOGSO).
Final decision after review: Red card.
Length of review: 2:42.
PRO’s Opinion: This was a denial of an obvious goal-scoring opportunity and a good use of the Video Review system to reach the correct outcome.
KC vs WAS: Review for penalty kick (handball) – not given
What happened: A free kick taken by Debinha (KC) from the right was met at the far post by a header from Morgan Gautrat (KC). After Gautrat’s header, the ball struck the outstretched left arm of Ashley Hatch (WAS), who had initially jumped to head the ball clear but failed to make contact with the cross. The referee did not identify an offense in real-time and allowed play to continue.
On-field decision: Play on.
Type of review: Penalty kick – handball.
Final decision after review: Penalty.
Length of review: 2:40.
PRO’s Opinion: This was a good use of the Video Review system to reach the correct o