The Definitive Angle is PRO’s analysis of the week’s Video Review use in NWSL.
Week 21 overview
There were four Video Reviews during Week 21.
LA vs WAS: Penalty kick
Outcome: After review, LA #29 [Miyabi Moriya] fouled Washington #2 [Trinity Rodman] inside the penalty area.
The final decision was a penalty [to Washington Spirit].
Length of Review: 3:55
PRO’s opinion: Moriya (LA) was unsuccessful in playing the ball when she slid in to challenge Rodman (WAS) and instead tripped the attacker. The referee correctly awarded a penalty kick after the video review.
ORL vs NC: No penalty kick
Outcome: After review, Orlando #34 [Zara Chavoshi] did not foul NC #34 [Manaka Matsukubo] inside the penalty area.
The final decision was no penalty.
Length of Review: 2:28
PRO’s opinion: The referee saw the contact from Chavoshi (ORL) that tripped Matsukubo (NC) as minor and allowed play to continue. 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, but PRO believes that the trip had an impact on Matsukubo’s ability to continue with the possession of the ball and would have preferred a penalty to be awarded.
The final decision was a penalty kick [to Houston Dash].
Length of review: 2:38
The final decision was a penalty kick [to KC Current].
Length of review: 2:18
Please note: These videos do not contain audio. They are a recording of the screen as viewed by the VAR in real-time.