The Definitive Angle is PRO’s analysis of the week’s Video Review use in MLS.
Matchday 5 overview There were five Video Reviews during Matchday 5.
ATX vs LAFC: Offside (no goal)
What happened: After review, Austin #6 [Ilie Sánchez] committed an offside offense prior to Austin #10 [Myrto Uzuni] scoring a goal when he interfered with Los Angeles #1’s [Hugo Lloris] ability to defend.
The final decision was offside, and play restarted with an indirect free kick [to Los Angeles Football Club].
Length of review: 2:58
PRO’s opinion: When Uzuni (ATX) shot at goal, Sánchez (ATX) was in an offside position, in front of and in close proximity to the goalkeeper. His position and action to widen his stance and let the ball travel between his legs had an impact on Lloris’ (LAFC) ability to attempt to make a save. The referee was correct to disallow the goal and restart play with an indirect free kick for offside, interfering with an opponent.
DAL vs HOU: Goal
Outcome: After review, no offside offense was committed by Dallas #9 [Petar Musa] in the buildup to the own goal by Houston #14 [Duane Holmes].
The final decision was a goal [for FC Dallas].
Length of review: 1:51
PRO’s opinion: The assistant referee had delayed, the raising of their flag as is the correct procedure, to allow the VAR to check the goal. The VAR saw that Musa (DAL) was in an onside position when the ball was last played by his teammate, Herman Johansson (DAL). The referee was correct to award the goal after video review.
POR vs LA: Red card (serious foul play)
Outcome: After review, Portland #4 [Kamal Miller] committed a serious foul play offense on Los Angeles #99 [João Klauss].
The final decision was a red card for serious foul play.
Length of review: 2:00
PRO’s opinion: Miller (POR) challenged Klauss (LA) from behind, and the referee issued a yellow card for a reckless challenge, believing the contact to be on the foot of the attacker. The VAR analyzed the available angles and determined that Miller had stepped onto Klauss’ Achilles using his studs with all his body weight. This endangered the safety of the opponent. The referee correctly issued a red card for serious foul play after video review.
SD vs RSL: No penalty kick
Outcome: After review, San Diego #26 [Manu Duah] did not foul Salt Lake #72 [Zavier Gozo] inside the penalty area.
The final decision was no penalty, and play restarted with a drop ball [to San Diego].
Length of Review: 3:37
PRO’s opinion: Gozo (RSL) was challenged from the side by Duah (SD), and there was some upper- and lower-body contact between the two players. The referee determined that the contact was normal and allowed play to continue. The VAR analyzed the available angles and concluded that Duah had tripped Gozo and recommended a review; however, the referee maintained his original decision of no foul after video review.
SD vs RSL: No penalty kick
Outcome: After review, Salt Lake #15 [Justen Glad] did not commit a punishable handball offense inside the penalty area.
The final decision was no penalty.
Length of Review: 2:17
PRO’s opinion: Luca Bombino (SD) crossed the ball, and it struck Glad’s (RSL) right arm. The referee determined that the arm was in a natural position for a defender running near the attacking player and looking to block the cross. The VAR analyzed the available angles and determined that Glad had made his body unnaturally bigger. While Glad’s arm is away from his body, it is justifiable for the movement of a player who is running to be in this position. He did not use his arm unnaturally to act as a barrier, and the referee maintained his original decision.
Please note: These videos do not contain audio. They are a recording of the screen as viewed by the VAR in real-time.
