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The Definitive Angle: MLS Matchday 3

PRO media , min read

The Definitive Angle is PRO’s analysis of the week’s Video Review use in MLS.

Matchday 3 overview
There were five Video Reviews during Matchday 3.

CIN vs TOR: Penalty

Outcome: After review, Toronto #16 [Tyrese Spicer] committed a punishable handball offense inside the penalty area.

The final decision was penalty kick [to FC Cincinnati].

Length of review: 2:18

PRO’s opinion: This was a handball offense by Spicer (TOR), whose arm acted as a barrier in an attempt to block Evander’s (CIN) cross. The ball struck his arm while it was away from his body. The referee was correct to award a penalty kick after video review.

DAL vs CHI: Offside (no goal)

Outcome: After review, Dallas #9 [Petar Musa] was in an offside position when the ball was crossed to him by Dallas #10 [Luciano Acosta]. Dallas #9 then interfered with play when he touched the ball before scoring.

The final decision was offside and an indirect free kick [to Chicago Fire].

Length of Review: 1:43

PRO’s opinion: At the moment the ball was played in for Musa (DAL), he was standing in an offside position. The referee was correct to disallow the goal for the offside offense after video review.

DAL vs CHI: Penalty kick

Outcome: After review, Chicago #12 [Tom Barlow] committed a punishable handball offense inside the penalty area.

The final decision was penalty kick [to FC Dallas].

Length of review: 1:29

PRO’s opinion: This was a handball offense by Barlow (CHI), who attempted to play the ball with his head but had his left arm extended high and away from his body in an unnatural position. He missed the ball with his head but made contact with it using his hand. The referee was correct to award a penalty kick after video review.

ATX vs COL: Offside (no penalty kick)

Outcome: After review, Austin #10 [Myrto Uzuni] was in an offside position in the buildup to the award of the penalty kick. Austin #10 then interfered with play when he touched the ball.

The final decision was offside and an indirect free kick [to Colorado Rapids].

Length of Review: 2:13

PRO’s opinion: The referee awarded a penalty for a foul by Chidozie Awaziem (COL) on Myrto Uzuni (ATX). On checking the attacking phase of play, the VAR determined that Uzuni was in an offside position and had interfered with play when he touched the ball at the top of the penalty area. The referee was correct to rescind the penalty and restart play with an indirect free kick for the offside offense.

ATX vs COL: No penalty kick

Outcome: After review, Colorado #13 [Wayne Frederick] did not foul Austin #21 [Diego Rubio] inside the penalty area.

The final decision was no penalty and a drop ball [to Colorado Rapids].

Length of Review: 4:23

PRO’s opinion: From the referee’s position and angle, it appeared as though Frederick (COL) made contact with Rubio’s (ATX) foot without any play on the ball. This was not a tripping offense; Frederick clearly played the ball with his outstretched leg in a fair manner, and any contact after playing the ball was normal.

Please note: These videos do not contain audio. They are a recording of the screen as viewed by the VAR in real-time.