The Definitive Angle: NWSL Week 5
The Definitive Angle is PRO’s analysis of the week’s Video Review use in NWSL.
Week 5 overview
There were two Video Reviews during Week 5.
WAS vs NJY: Penalty kick for handball
What happened: After review, White #21 [Samantha Hiatt – NJ/NY Gotham] created a barrier for the ball with her arm to block the shot by Black #7 [Croix Bethune – Washington Spirit] inside the penalty area.
The final decision was penalty kick [to Washington Spirit].
Length of review: 1:09
PRO’s opinion: This was a handball offense by Hiatt (NJY) whose arm was in an unnatural position and blocked the shot from Bethune (WAS). This was a good, efficient use of the Video Review system to rectify a clear and obvious error.
LOU vs UTA: Penalty kick for foul challenge
What happened: After review, Yellow #16 [Madison Pogarch – Utah Royals] tripped Purple #13 [Emma Sears – Racing Louisville] inside the penalty area.
The final decision was a penalty kick [to Racing Louisville].
Length of review: 2:40
PRO’s opinion: This was a foul challenge by Pogarch (UTA), who did not play the ball. This was a good use of the Video Review system to overturn a clear and obvious error.
Please note: These videos do not contain audio. They are a recording of the screen as viewed by the VAR in real-time.