The Definitive Angle: NWSL Playoffs – Quarterfinals
The Definitive Angle is PRO’s analysis of the week’s Video Review use in NWSL.
Quarterfinals overview
There were two Video Reviews during the quarterfinals of the NWSL Playoffs.
GFC vs POR: No penalty
What happened: After review, Portland #4 [Becky Sauerbrunn] did not commit a punishable handball offense inside the penalty area.
The final decision was no penalty. Play restarted with a corner [to NJ/NY Gotham FC].
Length of review: 1:16
PRO’s opinion: Sauerbrunn (POR) slid in to block Lynn Williams’ (GFC) cross from the right with her leg. She successfully blocked the ball with her left leg before it rebounded up and struck her right arm. While her arm was above her head, it was in a justifiable position for her action. Sauerbrunn did not make her body unnaturally bigger, and there was no secondary action. This was not a punishable handball offense, and the referee correctly retained her decision not to award a penalty after video review.
ORL vs CHI: Penalty
What happened: After review, Chicago #41 [Hannah Anderson] fouled Orlando #22 [Barbra Banda] inside the penalty area.
The final decision was penalty [to Orlando Pride].
Length of Review: 5:35
PRO’s opinion: This was a clear hold by Anderson (CHI) that impacted Banda’s (ORL) movement. The foul started outside the penalty area and continued into it. The referee was correct to award a penalty kick after review.
Please note: These videos do not contain audio. They are a recording of the screen as viewed by the VAR in real-time.