The Definitive Angle is PRO’s analysis of the week’s Video Review use in MLS.
Matchday 38 overview There were six Video Review during Matchday 38.
DC vs CLT: Red card (DOGSO)
Outcome: After review, D.C. #13 [Luis Barraza] committed a punishable handball offense outside the penalty area.
The final decision was a direct free kick [to Charlotte FC] and a red card to D.C. #13 for denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity.
Length of Review: 1:32
PRO’s opinion: Lucas Bartlett (DC) and Idan Toklomati (CLT) were chasing a through ball, with the defender slowing down and stopping his forward progress as the ball approached the penalty area. This provided the opportunity for the attacker to get around Bartlett as Barraza (DC) came outside the penalty area and collected the ball ahead of the pair.
The VAR analyzed the available angles and determined that the ball was outside the penalty area when the goalkeeper caught it. The referee correctly issued a red card to Barraza for denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity because Toklomati had a likelihood of controlling the ball if the goalkeeper had not handled it, with an unguarded goal in front of him.
MTL vs NSH: No goal (offside)
Outcome: After review, Montréal #2 [Jalen Neal] committed an offside offense when he interfered with Nashville #1’s [Joe Willis] ability to defend before Montréal #9 [Prince Owusu] scored a goal.
The final decision was offside and an indirect free kick [to Nashville].
Length of Review: 3:08
PRO’s opinion: At the moment Owusu (MTL) took a shot, Neal (MTL) had moved directly in front of Willis (NSH) and was in an offside position. The proximity of Neal to the goalkeeper impacted his ability to attempt to play the ball, and the referee was correct to disallow the goal for the offside offense, interfering with an opponent.
MIA vs NE: No foul
Outcome: After review, New England #3 [Brayan Ceballos] did not trip Inter Miami #21 [Tadeo Allende] outside the penalty area.
The final decision was no foul.
Length of Review: 1:34
PRO’s opinion: Allende (MIA) was challenged by Ceballos (NE), who reached for the ball but was unsuccessful in playing it. The referee allowed play to continue. The VAR analyzed the available angles and determined that Ceballos had made contact with Allende’s right leg, which tripped him. The referee maintained his on-field decision of no foul because he saw the coming together of the players as shoulder-to-shoulder. PRO believes that a direct free kick and red card for denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity should have been awarded.
HOU vs SD: Penalty kick
Outcome: After review, Houston #36 [Felipe Andrade] tripped San Diego #90 [Amahl Pellegrino] inside the penalty area.
The final decision was a penalty [to San Diego].
Length of Review: 1:57
PRO’s opinion: Pellegrino (HOU) was looking to get on the end of a cross from the right by Aiden Harangi (SD) when he was tripped by Andrade’s (HOU) left leg. The referee did not see this action in real time and agreed with the VAR that it had a clear impact. The referee correctly awarded a penalty kick after the video review.
CHI vs TOR: No penalty kick
Outcome: After review, Chicago #3 [Jack Elliott] did not foul Toronto #7 [Theo Corbeanu] inside the penalty area.
The final decision was no penalty, and play restarted with a drop ball [to Chicago Fire].
Length of Review: 2:14
PRO’s opinion: Elliott (CHI) was unsuccessful in playing the ball, and the referee awarded a penalty kick because he believed that he tripped Corbeanu (TOR). The VAR analyzed the available angles and determined that the defender did not make contact with the attacker, and the two players collided as they moved into the same space. The referee was correct to rescind the penalty kick after video review.
SEA vs POR: Red card (serious foul play)
Outcome: After review, Seattle #11 [Albert Rusnák] committed a serious foul play offense on Portland #22 [Omir Fernández].
The final decision was a red card for serious foul play.
Length of review: 1:52
PRO’s opinion: Rusnák (SEA) lunged toward Fernández (POR) from behind but was unsuccessful in playing the ball and fouled his opponent. From the referee’s angle, he believed it was a reckless challenge with low contact using the studs and issued a yellow card. The VAR analyzed the available angles and determined that there was excessive force made with a straight leg and the studs to Fernández’ ankle. The referee was correct to rescind the yellow card and issue a red card for serious foul play 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.
