The Definitive Angle is PRO’s analysis of the week’s Video Review use in NWSL.
Week 3 overview There were five Video Reviews during Week 3.
WAS vs BAY: No goal (foul)
Outcome: After review, Bay #9 [Racheal Kundananji] fouled Washington #14 [Gabrielle Carle] prior to the goal by Bay #7 [Taylor Huff].
The final decision was no goal and a direct free kick [to Washington Spirit].
Length of Review: 2:02
PRO’s opinion: There was a clear foul by Kundananji (BAY) on Carle (WAS) in the midfield that prevented the defender from challenging for the ball and that created the space for Huff (BAY), who went on to score. The referee was correct to disallow the goal and award a direct free kick after video review.
ORL vs SD: Goal
Outcome: After review, San Diego #8 [Chiamaka Okwuchukwu] did not foul Orlando #1 [Anna Moorhouse] prior to the goal.
The final decision was goal [to San Diego Wave].
Length of Review: 1:42
PRO’s opinion: After Okwuchukwu (SD) had headed the ball toward the goal, she collided with Moorhouse (ORL). This did not prevent the goalkeeper from being able to make a save, and it was not a foul. The referee was correct to award the goal after video review.
ORL vs SD: Encroachment
Outcome: After review, there was encroachment by San Diego #6 [Hanna Lundkvist].
The final decision was to retake the penalty kick.
Length of review: 2:30
PRO’s opinion: Marta’s (ORL) penalty kick hit the post, and rebounded back into play, where Lundkvist (SD) was able to clear the ball. Lundkvist had encroached on the kick before it was taken and then there was impact when she played the ball away. The referee was correct to order the retake after video review.
KC vs UTA: No goal (handball)
Outcome: After review, Kansas City #17 [Michelle Cooper] committed a punishable handball offense prior to the goal by Kansas City #6 [Temwa Chawinga].
The final decision was that the goal [for KC Current] was disallowed. Play restarted with a direct free kick [to Utah Royals].
Length of review: 1:37
PRO’s opinion: The referee believed the ball had struck Cooper’s (KC) shoulder and allowed play to continue. The VAR determined that it had made contact with her left arm, which was away from her body, and created a barrier for the ball. The referee was correct to disallow the goal for a handball offense in the attacking phase after video review.
POR vs NC: Penalty kick
Outcome: After review, Portland #2 [Reyna Reyes] fouled North Carolina #2 [Ashley Sanchez] inside the penalty area.
The final decision was a penalty [to North Carolina Courage].
Length of Review: 1:53
PRO’s opinion: There was contact between Reyes (POR) and Sanchez (NC), and the attacker went to ground. The VAR determined that there was a clear second motion by Reyes that tripped Sanchez. The referee was correct to award a penalty kick after video review.
Please note: These videos do not contain audio. They are a recording of the screen as viewed by the VAR in real-time.
