The Definitive Angle is PRO’s analysis of the week’s Video Review use in NWSL.
Week 9 overview
There were two Video Reviews during Week 9.
HOU vs POR: Penalty kick
Outcome: After review, Houston #20 [Christen Westphal] fouled Portland #2 [Reyna Reyes] inside the penalty area.
The final decision was a penalty [to Portland Thorns].
Length of Review: 3:25
PRO’s opinion: Westphal (HOU) reached for the ball but was unsuccessful in playing it. Instead, she made contact from behind on Reyes (POR) and forced her to ground. The referee was correct to award a penalty kick after video review.
NC vs CHI: No penalty
Outcome: After review, North Carolina #1 [Casey Murphy] did not foul Chicago #14 [Ludmila da Silva] inside the penalty area.
The final decision was no penalty, and play restarted with a drop ball [to North Carolina Courage]. The yellow card to North Carolina #1 was rescinded.
Length of Review: 2:18
PRO’s opinion: After initially saving Ludmila’s (CHI) shot, goalkeeper Murphy (NC) dove at the attacker’s feet as they contested the loose ball. Murphy made a fair challenge for the ball, and after Ludmila took a touch with her right foot, the goalkeeper played the ball with her left shin before any contact with her opponent. This was not a foul, and the referee was correct to rescind the penalty and the yellow card after video review.