The Definitive Angle: MLS Week 17
The Definitive Angle is PRO’s analysis of the week’s Video Review use in MLS.
Week 17 overview
There were two Video Reviews during Week 17.
SEA vs RSL: Direct free kick (not penalty kick)
What happened: After review, the tripping foul by Seattle #28 [Yeimar] on Salt Lake #8 [Diego Luna] occurred outside the penalty area.
The final decision was a direct free kick [to Real Salt Lake].
Length of review: 2:10
PRO’s opinion: The VAR correctly observed that the point of contact was just outside the penalty area. This was a good use of the Video Review system to rectify a clear and obvious error.
SEA vs RSL: Foul challenge (no goal)
What happened: After review, Seattle #17 [Danny Musovski] fouled Salt Lake #15 [Justen Glad] near the halfway line before Seattle #17 went on to score a goal
The final decision was no goal and a direct free kick [to Real Salt Lake].
Length of Review: 1:52
PRO’s opinion: Musovski (SEA) did not play the ball. Instead, he made contact with the legs of Glad (RSL), who was in the process of playing it while in the air. This foul challenge impacted Glad’s ability to play the ball and allowed Seattle to gain possession, which led directly to a goal. This was a good use of the Video Review system to reach the correct outcome.
Please note: These videos do not contain audio. They are a recording of the screen as viewed by the VAR in real-time.