The Definitive Angle: NWSL Week 13
The Definitive Angle is PRO’s analysis of the week’s Video Review use in NWSL.
Week 13 overview
There were two Video Reviews during Week 13.
SD vs RGN: Review for red card (DOGSO) – not given
What happened: Elyse Bennett (RGN) challenged goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan (SD) for the ball outside the penalty area. Bennett had poked the ball away from Sheridan after the goalkeeper had taken a touch. Sheridan then tripped her and caused 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 she determined this offense denied an obvious goal-scoring opportunity. Bennett was central, within playing distance of the ball, and despite it being wide of the goal, she had an empty net in front of her. 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Following Video Review, the referee rescinded the yellow card and issued a red card to Sheridan for DOGSO.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: 4:01.
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.
LA vs HOU: Review for red card (DOGSO) – not given
What happened: Katie Lind (HOU) challenged Sydney Leroux (LA) for a through ball from Julie Ertz (LA). Leroux got in ahead of Lind who committed a charging offense from behind that caused the attacker to go 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. Leroux was 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Following Video Review, the referee rescinded the yellow card and issued a red card to Lind for DOGSO.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: 2:52.
PRO’s Opinion: This was a denial of an obvious goal-scoring opportunity and a good use of the Video Review system to overturn a clear and obvious error.