The Definitive Angle: NWSL Week 20
The Definitive Angle is PRO’s analysis of the week’s Video Review use in NWSL.
Week 20 overview
There were three Video Reviews during Week 20.
NC vs CHI: Review for red card (DOGSO) – not given
What happened: Bianca St Georges (CHI) beat Emily Fox (NC) to the ball and started an attack. St Georges was heading toward goal when Fox committed a holding offense that caused St Georges to go to ground. The referee issued a yellow card to Fox for stopping a promising attack.
The VAR determined this was a denial of a goalscoring opportunity and recommended an on-field review for a red card. After Video Review, the referee rescinded the yellow card and issued a red card to Fox.
On-field decision: Yellow card (SPA).
Type of review: Red card (DOGSO).
Final decision after review: Red card.
Length of review: 2:52.
PRO’s opinion: The holding offense prevented a one-on-one opportunity against goalkeeper Casey Murphy (NC). All the considerations for DOGSO were present, and this was a good use of the Video Review system to reach the correct outcome.
NC vs CHI: Review for penalty kick (foul challenge) – not given
What happened: Tatumn Milazzo (CHI) challenged Kerolin Nicoli (NC) inside the penalty area, and Nicoli went to ground. The referee did not identify an offense in real-time and allowed play to continue.
The VAR determined that this contact tripped Nicoli, and the non-awarding of a penalty kick was a clear and obvious error. An on-field review was recommended, 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: 1:34.
PRO’s opinion: This was a clear foul and an efficient and effective use of the Video Review system to rectify a clear and obvious error.
What happened: A cross from Trinity Rodman (WAS) was played by the outstretched left foot of Emily Menges (POR), before the ball then struck her right hand. The referee did not identify an offense in real-time and allowed play to continue.
The VAR analyzed the available angles and felt that Menges had committed a handball offence by making her body unnaturally bigger. He recommended a review for a penalty kick.
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: 3:34.
PRO’s opinion: Both arms were in a justifiable position for the player’s movement and playing the ball to your own hand is an exception under handball considerations. This review should not have been recommended.