The Definitive Angle is PRO’s analysis of the week’s Video Review use in NWSL.
Week 1 overview
There was one Video Review during Week 1.
BAY vs DEN: Red card (serious foul play)
Outcome: After review, Denver #6 [Janine Sonis] committed a serious foul play offense on Bay #17 [Alex Pfeiffer].
The final decision was a red card for serious foul play.
Length of review: 1:40
PRO’s opinion: Sonis (DEN) challenged Pfeiffer (BAY) for the ball at speed and made contact with her opponent’s shin with her studs. The referee issued a yellow card for a reckless challenge on the field, but correctly issued a red card for serious foul play after video review.
New in 2026, VAR decisions will be communicated by the referee, who will announce and explain the ruling to fans in the stadium and broadcast viewers.
This review led to the first in-stadium announcement – by referee Nabil Bensalah – in the NWSL.
Please note: These videos do not contain audio. They are a recording of the screen as viewed by the VAR in real-time.