The Definitive Angle is PRO’s analysis of the week’s Video Review use in NWSL.
Week 19 overview
There were two Video Reviews during Week 19.
BAY vs KC: No penalty kick
Outcome: After review, Kansas City #7 [Elizabeth Ball] did not foul Bay #24 [Maddie Moreau] inside the penalty area.
The final decision was no penalty.
Length of Review: 2:27
PRO’s opinion: There was minor contact after Moreau (BAY) had dribbled past Ball (KC), and the attacker went to ground. The referee allowed play to continue because the defender had moved her right leg out of Moreau’s path and the contact was minimal, but the VAR felt that it had an impact and recommended a review for a penalty kick. The referee maintained his original decision of no penalty kick after video review because he felt the challenge did not rise to the level of a foul. This is a subjective call, and PRO does not believe the foul reached the threshold to recommend a review for a clear and obvious error.
NC vs UTA: No goal (attacker handball)
Outcome: Utah #11 [Mina Tanaka] committed an attacker handball offense in the process of scoring a goal.
The final decision was that the goal [for Utah Royals] was disallowed. Play restarted with a direct free kick [to North Carolina Courage].
Length of review: 3:42
PRO’s opinion: The ball hit Tanaka’s (UTA) left arm as she attempted to block the clearance immediately before the ball entered the goal. The referee was correct to disallow the goal for an attacker handball 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.