The Definitive Angle: NWSL Week 15
The Definitive Angle is PRO’s analysis of the week’s Video Review use in NWSL.
Week 15 overview
There were four Video Reviews during Week 15.
POR vs SD: Goal
What happened: After review, Portland #8 [Hina Sugita] did not foul San Diego #14 [Kristen McNabb] prior to the goal by Portland #24 [Izzy D’Aquila].
The final decision was goal [to Portland Thorns].
Length of review: 2:56
PRO’s opinion: The contact between Sugita (POR) and McNabb (SD) was a normal soccer contact after McNabb had played the ball. This was an unnecessary review.
BAY vs WAS: Penalty
What happened: After review, Bay #20 [Alyssa Malonson] fouled Washington #8 [Makenna Morris] inside the penalty area.
The final decision was penalty kick [to Washington Spirit].
Length of review: 3:42
PRO’s opinion: Malonson (BAY) made contact with Morris’ (WAS) right leg and tripped her. The referee was in an excellent position in real-time to award the penalty kick and was correct to retain his original decision.
What happened: After review, Gotham #22 [Mandy Freeman] fouled LA #20 [Gisele Thompson] inside the penalty area.
The final decision was penalty kick [to Angel City] and a yellow card to Gotham #22 for a reckless challenge.
Length of review: 2:26
PRO’s opinion: Freeman (GFC) recklessly stepped on the top of Thompson’s (LA) foot with her studs, which caused the attacker to go to ground and led to a turnover in possession. The referee let the play continue because they did not have a good viewing angle to observe the impact of the challenge but correctly awarded the penalty after video review. This was a good use of the Video Review system to reach the correct outcome.
What happened: After review, Seattle #8 [Bethany Balcer] fouled Utah #5 [Lauren Flynn] in the buildup to the goal by Seattle #10 [Jess Fishlock].
The final decision was a direct free kick [to Utah Royals].
Length of Review: 3:00
PRO’s opinion: Goalkeeper Mandy Haught (UTA) was in the process of catching the crossed ball when Balcer (SEA) pushed Flynn (UTA) into Haught. All three players collided, and Haught lost possession of the ball, which resulted in Fishlock scoring a goal. The referee judged that this was normal contact and initially allowed the goal to stand but correctly disallowed the goal after review. This was a good use of the Video Review system to rectify 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.