The Definitive Angle is PRO’s analysis of the week’s Video Review use in MLS.
Matchday 7 overview There were five Video Reviews during Matchday 7.
CLB vs MTL: No goal (offside)
Outcome: After review, Montréal #23 [Caden Clark] was in an offside position when the ball was passed to him by Montréal #22 [Victor Loturi]. Montréal #23 then interfered with play when he touched the ball before scoring.
The final decision was offside and an indirect free kick [to Columbus Crew].
Length of Review: 1:56
PRO’s opinion: At the moment the ball was played to Clark (MTL), he was in an offside position. The referee was correct to disallow the goal for the offside offense after video review.
CLB vs MTL: Goal
Outcome: After review, no offside – gaining an advantage offense was committed by Montréal #9 [Prince Owusu] before he scored a goal.
The final decision was a goal [to CF Montréal].
Length of review: 1:47
PRO’s opinion: When Caden Clark (MTL) took his shot at goal from outside the penalty area, Owusu (MTL) was in an onside position. The ball rebounded to Owusu after Clark’s shot hit the post and he scored. The referee was correct to award the goal after video review.
CLB vs MTL: No goal (offside)
Outcome: After review, Montréal #22 [Victor Loturi] was in an offside position when the ball was passed to him by Montréal #19 [Nathan Saliba]. Montréal #22 then interfered with play when he touched the ball before scoring.
The final decision was offside and an indirect free kick [to Columbus Crew].
Length of Review: 1:32
PRO’s opinion: At the moment the ball was played to Loturi (MTL), he was in an offside position. The referee was correct to disallow the goal for the offside offense after video review.
NYC vs MIN: Penalty kick
Outcome: After review, Minnesota #15 [Michael Boxall] fouled New York #16 [Alonso Martínez] inside the penalty area.
The final decision was a penalty [to New York City].
Length of Review: 4:10
PRO’s opinion: Boxall (MIN) attempted to tackle Martínez (NYC) from the side and tripped his opponent. Although Boxall made slight contact on the ball as part of his challenge, the amount of contact he made is essentially insignificant. This was a touch and not a play of the ball, and it did not change speed or direction. This was a tripping foul, and the referee was correct in maintaining his original decision and awarding a penalty kick after the video review.
MIA vs TOR: No goal (foul)
Outcome: After review, Miami #10 [Lionel Messi] fouled Toronto #15 [Nicksoen Gomis] prior to scoring a goal.
The final decision was no goal and a direct free kick [to Toronto].
Length of Review: 1:59
PRO’s opinion: In the build-up that led to Messi (MIA) scoring a goal, Gomis (TOR) was unable to successfully clear the ball from the penalty area after Messi had made contact on his heel with his studs. The action forced the defender to ground and was a clear tripping offense. The referee was correct to disallow the goal and award a direct free 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.
