The Definitive Angle: NWSL Week 11
The Definitive Angle is PRO’s analysis of the week’s Video Review use in NWSL.
Week 11 overview
There were three Video Reviews during Week 11.
RGN vs KC: Review for goal (offside) – not given
What happened: A goal was scored by Michelle Cooper (KC) and awarded by the on-field officials.
The VAR analyzed the available angles and determined that Vanessa DiBernardo (KC), who supplied the cross that led to the goal, was in an offside position when the ball was played back to her by Debinha (KC), after a short corner.
The VAR recommended an on-field review for the offside offense in the APP. After Video Review, the referee disallowed the goal and restarted the match with an indirect free kick.
On-field decision: Goal.
Type of review: No goal – offside.
Final decision after review: No goal.
Length of review: 2:05.
PRO’s Opinion: This was a good use of the Video Review system to disallow a goal for offside.
WAS vs LA: Review for goal (offside) – given
What happened: A goal was scored by Ashley Hatch (WAS) but disallowed by the on-field officials for offside after a delayed flag and whistle.
After checking the footage, the VAR concluded that Hatch was clearly onside when the initial shot from Ashley Sanchez (WAS) hit the crossbar, before she headed the rebound into the goal. The VAR recommended an on-field review for a goal.
After seeing the footage at the RRA, the referee agreed and awarded a goal to Washington Spirit.
On-field decision: No goal – offside.
Type of review: Goal.
Final decision after review: Goal.
Length of review: 3:00.
PRO’s Opinion: This was a good use of the Video Review system to rectify an on-field error.
What happened: A goal was scored by Michelle Alozie (HOU) and awarded by the on-field officials.
The VAR analyzed the available angles and saw that the whole of the ball had gone out of play during the APP, and a throw in should have been awarded to Houston Dash. The VAR recommended an on-field review. After Video Review, the referee disallowed the goal and restarted the match with a throw in.
On-field decision: Goal.
Type of review: No goal – ball out of play in APP.
Final decision after review: Throw in.
Length of review: 3:15.
PRO’s Opinion: Even without a camera perfectly aligned on the touchline, it was clear that the whole of the ball had completely left the field of play. This was a good use of Video Review to correct a clear and obvious error.