The Definitive Angle is PRO’s analysis of the week’s Video Review use in NWSL.
Week 22 overview
There were two Video Reviews during Week 22.
LOU vs LA: No penalty kick
Outcome: After review, LA #11 [Sarah Gorden] did not foul Louisville #42 [Sarah Weber] inside the penalty area.
The final decision was no penalty, and play restarted with a drop ball [to Angel City].
Length of Review: 1:45
PRO’s opinion: The referee awarded a penalty kick because she believed that Gorden (LA) was unsuccessful in playing the ball when she reached for it with her right foot and instead tripped Weber (LOU). The VAR analyzed the available angles and determined that Gorden had successfully played the ball before the contact with Weber. The referee was correct to rescind the penalty kick after video review.
SEA vs NC: No goal (offside)
Outcome: After review, Seattle #5 [Maddie Dahlien] was in an offside position when the ball was passed to her by Seattle #18 [Sally Menti]. Seattle #5 then interfered with play when she touched the ball before scoring a goal.
The final decision was offside and an indirect free kick [to North Carolina Courage].
Length of Review: 2:00
PRO’s opinion: At the moment the ball was played to Dahlien (SEA), she was in an offside position. The referee was correct to disallow the goal for the offside offense 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.