The Definitive Angle: MLS Week 16
The Definitive Angle is PRO’s analysis of the week’s Video Review use in MLS.
Week 16 overview
There were three Video Reviews during Week 16.
NYC vs CIN: Review for penalty kick (foul challenge) – not given
What Happened: Tony Alfaro (NYC) challenged Yerson Mosquera (CIN) for the ball in the penalty area. After Mosquera played the ball, Alfaro kicked Mosquera in the leg in an attempt to volley the dropping ball clear. The referee did not identify an offense in real-time and allowed play to continue.
The VAR analyzed the available angles and determined that the non-awarding of a penalty kick was a clear and obvious error and recommended an on-field review. Following Video Review, the referee awarded a penalty kick.
On-field decision: Goal kick.
Type of review: Penalty kick.
Final decision after review: Penalty.
Length of review: 2:37.
PRO’s Opinion: The challenge was late, and Alfaro did not play the ball. This was a good use of the Video Review system to overturn a clear and obvious error.
MIA vs RBNY: Review for penalty kick (holding) – not given
What Happened: Kyle Duncan (RBNY) and Nicolás Stefanelli (MIA) challenged for a ball in the air at the top of the penalty area. Neither player played the ball, and it continued over their heads into the area. Stefanelli turned to run after the ball and Duncan grabbed his shorts and brought Stefanelli down. The referee did not see the offense in real-time and play continued.
The VAR analyzed the available angles, determined that it was a clear and obvious error to not award a penalty, and recommended an on-field review. Following Video Review, the referee awarded a penalty kick and issued a yellow card for SPA for the deliberate holding offense.
On-field decision: Play on.
Type of review: Penalty kick.
Final decision after review: Penalty.
Length of review: 3:00.
PRO’s Opinion: The referee did not see the hold that had an impact on the forward progress of Stefanelli and brought him to ground. This was a good use of the Video Review system to reach the correct outcome.
What Happened: Gino Vivi (LA) took a corner kick where it was met at the front post by Damir Kreilach (RSL), who attempted to play the ball with his head. The ball struck Kreilach’s arm in the bicep area, and that prevented the ball from continuing through to the middle of the penalty area. The referee did not identify an offense in real-time and allowed play to continue.
The VAR analyzed the available angles and determined that Kreilach had his arm away from his body, making his body unnaturally bigger and creating a barrier for the ball. He recommended an on-field review, and after Video Review, the referee awarded a penalty kick.
On-field decision: Play on.
Type of review: Penalty kick.
Final decision after review: Penalty.
Length of review: 1:50.
PRO’s Opinion: Kreilach had his arm outstretched to the side and did not play the ball with his head. This was a correct use of the Video Review system to rectify a clear and obvious error.