The Definitive Angle: MLS Week 35
The Definitive Angle is PRO’s analysis of the week’s Video Review use in MLS.
Week 35 overview
There were three Video Reviews during Week 35.
CLB vs PHI: Review for penalty kick (handball) – not given
What happened: As Jack Elliott (PHI) attempted to control a high ball it was blocked by Malte Amundsen (CLB) from close range inside the penalty area. The referee felt Amundsen’s hands were close to his body and did not identify an offense in real-time. He allowed play to continue.
The VAR determined that Amundsen had created a barrier for the ball. An on-field review was recommended, and after Video Review, the referee maintained his original decision not to award a penalty kick.
On-field decision: Throw in.
Type of review: Penalty kick.
Final decision after review: Penalty.
Length of review: 2:15.
PRO’s opinion: Amundsen had his right arm close to his body and in a justifiable position. There was no secondary action. The referee was correct to maintain his on-field decision.
NSH vs SEA: Review for goal (offside) – not given
What happened: A goal was scored by Héber (SEA) and awarded by the on-field officials.
The VAR analyzed the available angles and determined that Héber was in an offside position at the moment the ball was last touched by his teammate, Nicolás Lodeiro (SEA). The VAR recommended an on-field review, and after Video Review, the referee disallowed the goal and awarded an indirect free kick to Nashville.
On-field decision: Goal.
Type of review: No goal.
Final decision after review: No goal.
Length of review: 2:45.
PRO’s opinion: Before he scored, Héber was in an offside position when the shot from Lodeiro was deflected by Dax McCarty (NSH) into his path. This was a good use of the Video Review system to disallow a goal for offside.
What happened: Pedro Santos (DC) challenged Brian White (VAN) for the ball inside the penalty area, and White went to ground. The referee did not identify an offense in real-time and allowed play to continue.
The VAR analyzed the available angles and determined that White had played the ball and Santos did not. Santos instead made contact with White’s Achilles and left leg, which impacted White’s ability to continue with the ball.
An on-field review was recommended, and after Video Review, the referee awarded a penalty kick.
On-field decision: Play on.
Type of review: Penalty kick.
Final decision after review: Penalty.
Length of review: 2:05.
PRO’s opinion: White had taken a touch away from Santos, who initiated the contact and kicked the back of his opponent’s leg. This was a penalty and a good use of the Video Review system to rectify a clear and obvious error.