The Definitive Angle is PRO’s analysis of the week’s Video Review use in MLS.
Matchday 20 overview
There were two Video Reviews during Matchday 20.
CLB vs ATL: Goal
Outcome: After review, the shot from Atlanta #11 [Brooks Lennon] crossed the goal line.
The final decision was goal [to Atlanta United].
Length of Review: 3:40
PRO’s opinion: The VAR analyzed the available angles and determined that the entire ball had completely crossed the goal line before Yevhen Cheberko (CLB) cleared it. The referee correctly awarded a goal after video review.
MIN vs HOU: Direct free kick
What happened: After review, Minnesota #15 [Michael Boxall] fouled Houston #27 [Sebastian Kowalczyk] outside the penalty area.
The final decision was a direct free kick [to Houston Dynamo] and a yellow card to Minnesota #15.
Length of Review: 5:18
PRO’s opinion: Although Boxall (MIN) was successful in playing the ball first, he then raised his leg and made contact with Kowalczyk’s (HOU) groin, which forced the attacker to ground. The referee believed this contact occurred inside the penalty area and awarded a penalty kick. He was correct to change his decision to a direct free kick outside the penalty area and issue a yellow card to Boxall for stopping a promising attack.