The Definitive Angle is PRO’s analysis of the week’s Video Review use in NWSL.
Week 25 overview
There were two Video Reviews during Week 25.
HOU vs ORL: Penalty kick
Outcome: After review, Houston #47 [Miljana Ivanović] fouled Orlando #29 [Solai Washington] inside the penalty area.
The final decision was a penalty kick [to Orlando Pride].
Length of Review: 4:30
PRO’s opinion: Ivanović (HOU) made contact with the right foot of Washington (ORL) with her left knee, causing the attacker to trip and fall. Believing the contact was self-induced, the VAR recommended a review, but the referee was correct to maintain the penalty kick after video review because there is a clear tripping offense. However, PRO’s preference is that the penalty was not awarded because of the prior offside offense by Washington, before she dribbled into the penalty area.
BAY vs POR: No penalty
Outcome: After review, Portland #25 [M.A. Vignola] did not foul Bay #30 [Agostina Holzheier] inside the penalty area.
The final decision was no penalty.
Length of Review: 2:35
PRO’s opinion: The referee judged in real time that Vignola (POR) did not play the ball and tripped Holzheier (BAY); however, the defender did get a touch on the ball and the subsequent contact with the attacker was part of a fair challenge. The referee was correct to cancel the penalty kick 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.