The Definitive Angle is PRO’s analysis of the week’s Video Review use in MLS.
Matchday 31 overview
There were four Video Reviews during Matchday 31.
ATL vs MIA: No penalty
Outcome: After review, Miami #9 [Luis Suárez] committed a pushing offense on Atlanta #27 [Paulo Díaz] prior to the ball striking Díaz’s arm inside the penalty area.
The final decision was no penalty and a direct free kick [to Atlanta United].
Length of Review: 2:03
PRO’s opinion: Díaz (ATL) had both arms in the air due to the push by Suárez (MIA), and the ball struck his outstretched left arm as a result of the foul. The referee was correct to rescind the penalty and award a direct free kick for the pushing offense after video review.
HOU vs DAL: No goal (offside)
Outcome: After review, Dallas #14 [Herman Johansson] was in an offside position when Dallas #10 [Santiago Moreno] shot at goal. Dallas #14 then gained an advantage when he touched the ball prior to scoring a goal.
The final decision was offside and an indirect free kick [to Houston Dynamo].
Length of Review: 1:36
PRO’s opinion: At the moment Moreno (DAL) took his shot, Johansson (DAL) was in an offside position. The ball deflected off Jonathan Bond (HOU) to Johansson, who scored from the rebound. The referee was correct to disallow the goal for the offside offense after video review.
Outcome: After review, Los Angeles #25 [Emiro Garces] was in an offside position and interfered with an opponent when he made contact with San Diego #33 [Oscar Verhoeven] prior to Los Angeles #99 [João Klauss] scoring a goal.
The final decision was offside and an indirect free kick [to San Diego FC].
Length of Review: 2:39
PRO’s opinion: While Garces (LA) was in an offside position and in close proximity to goalkeeper Pablo Sisniega (SD), he was able to see the ball, and whether he was impacted was not clear. Additionally, Verhoeven (SD) was not hindered or impacted by Garces’ position. Offside – interfering with an opponent – is subjective, and without clearer impact, PRO would have preferred that the on-field decision was maintained.
Outcome: After review, Colorado #29 [Miguel Navarro] did not foul Portland #22 [Omir Fernández] inside the penalty area.
The final decision was no penalty.
Length of Review: 2:20
PRO’s opinion: Navarro (COL) did not attempt to play the ball and pushed Fernández (POR) to ground from behind. Some will see the contact as having negligible impact; others will interpret it as a pushing offense. PRO would prefer a penalty kick was awarded after video review.