The Definitive Angle is PRO’s analysis of the week’s Video Review use in NWSL.
Week 15 overview
There were three Video Review during Week 15.
HOU vs NC: Penalty kick
Outcome: After review, Houston #23 [Maggie Graham] fouled North Carolina #19 [Jaedyn Shaw] inside the penalty area.
The final decision was a penalty [to North Carolina Courage].
Length of Review: 3:18
PRO’s opinion: Graham (HOU) tripped Shaw (NC) close to the penalty area line, and the referee awarded a direct free kick. The VAR determined that the point of contact for the foul occurred on the penalty area line, and the referee was correct to award a penalty kick after video review.
GFC vs WAS: Red card (violent conduct)
Outcome: After review, Gotham #10 [Geyse da Silva Ferreira] committed a violent conduct offense on Washington #14 [Gabrielle Carle].
The final decision was a red card to Gotham #10.
Length of review: 2:37
PRO’s opinion: The ball had crossed the touchline before Geyse (GFC) rolled the ball back infield. The assistant referee raised his flag to signal a throw-in, and Geyse contested possession with Carle (WAS) as they continued to play. Just before the referee blew her whistle, Geyse stepped on the Achilles and left foot of her opponent. The referee awarded the throw-in in real-time and no foul, but the VAR determined that the challenge rose to the level of violent conduct and recommended a review. The referee then issued Geyse a red card after video review. This action would normally be classified as serious foul play rather than violent conduct, but the ball must be in play to be considered serious foul play.
PRO would have preferred a yellow card because the amount of force in the challenge did not rise to the level of a red card.
The final decision was a penalty [to Orlando Pride].
Length of Review: 4:00
PRO’s opinion: Charley (ORL) was first pulled by Taylor Flint (LOU) outside the penalty area and then challenged by O’Kane (LOU), while off balance, inside the penalty area, where she went to ground. The referee awarded a direct free kick for the first offense. The VAR determined the referee made a clear error by not punishing the second incident that occurred within the penalty area and recommended a review. The referee awarded a penalty kick after video review.
Inside Video Review
This week’s Inside Video Review has been delayed. It will be published next week.
Please note: These videos do not contain audio. They are a recording of the screen as viewed by the VAR in real-time.