The Definitive Angle is PRO’s analysis of the week’s Video Review use in MLS.
Matchday 26 overview There were five Video Review during Matchday 26.
HOU vs PHI: No foul
Outcome: After review, Philadelphia #14 [Jeremy Rafanello] did not foul Houston #14 [Duane Holmes].
The final decision was no penalty and a drop ball [to Philadelphia Union].
Length of Review: 3:27
PRO’s opinion: The referee initially awarded a direct free kick for a tripping offense by Rafanello (PHI) just outside the penalty area. The VAR saw that the contact occurred over the penalty area line and recommended a video review for a penalty kick. During the review, the referee determined that Rafanello had successfully played the ball prior to contact with Holmes’ (HOU) leg, and that anything that followed was normal contact. The referee was correct not to award a penalty kick – and restart play with a drop ball – after video review because there was no foul.
HOU vs PHI: No goal (foul)
Outcome: After review, Philadelphia #26 [Nathan Harriel] fouled Houston #4 [Ethan Bartlow] prior to the penalty kick being awarded.
The final decision was a direct free kick [to Houston Dynamo].
Length of Review: 4:22
PRO’s opinion: The referee correctly awarded a penalty kick for a pushing offense by Pablo Ortiz (HOU) on Bruno Damiani (PHI). However, earlier in the attacking phase, Harriel (PHI) made careless contact to Bartlow’s (HOU) head with his left arm as they contested a header. The referee was correct to rescind the penalty kick and award a direct free kick for the careless foul after video review.
NSH vs TOR: Direct free kick
Outcome: After review, Nashville #25 [Walker Zimmerman] fouled Toronto #29 [Deandre Kerr] outside the penalty area.
The final decision was a direct free kick [to Toronto].
Length of Review: 2:33
PRO’s opinion: Zimmerman (NSH) was unsuccessful in playing the ball after he slid in to challenge Kerr (TOR). He tripped the attacker, and the referee awarded a penalty kick; however, the VAR analyzed the available angles and determined the contact occurred outside the penalty area. The referee was correct to rescind the penalty kick after video review and award a direct free kick.
POR vs MIN: No penalty kick
Outcome: After review, Portland #24 [David Ayala] did not commit a punishable handball offense inside the penalty area.
The final decision was no penalty, and play was restarted with a drop ball.
Length of Review: 2:57
PRO’s opinion: The ball struck Ayala’s (POR) outstretched left arm after it had been headed clear by his teammate Jimer Fory (POR), and not by Morris Duggan (MIN) – as the referee initially thought. Additionally, Ayala was off balance, and the ball was going away from the goal. The referee was correct to rescind the penalty kick after video review.
SD vs VAN: No penalty kick
Outcome: After review, Vancouver #20 [Andrés Cubas] did not commit a punishable handball offense.
The final decision was no penalty, and play was restarted with a drop ball.
Length of Review: 5:50
PRO’s opinion: Hirving Lozano (SD) played the ball with his right knee, slightly ahead of Cubas (VAN), and the ball struck Cubas’ left arm, which appeared from the referee’s angle to be extended away from his body. The referee awarded a direct free kick. The VAR saw that the contact occurred over the penalty area line and recommended a video review for a penalty kick. During the review, the referee determined that Cubas’ arm was not extended when the ball hit it, but was close to his body, and no punishable handball offense had been committed. The referee was correct not to award a penalty kick and restart play with a drop ball 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.
