The Definitive Angle: NWSL Week 22
The Definitive Angle is PRO’s analysis of the week’s Video Review use in NWSL.
Week 22 overview
There were three Video Reviews during Week 22.
SD vs KC: Review for penalty kick (handball) – not given
What happened: A header from Sofia Jakobsson (SD) was blocked by Kate Del Fava (KC) inside the penalty area. The referee did not identify an offense in real-time and awarded a corner kick.
The VAR determined that Del Fava’s arm had made herself unnaturally bigger and created a barrier. An on-field review was recommended, and after Video Review, the referee maintained his decision not to award a penalty for a handball offense.
On-field decision: Play on.
Type of review: Penalty kick.
Final decision after review: No change.
Length of review: 3:08.
PRO’s opinion: This is a subjective decision. The video evidence was inconclusive about which part of the body the ball contacted and whether it was within the player’s silhouette. The decision on the field was not a clear and obvious error, and the referee was correct to maintain his original decision.
CHI vs LA: Review for goal (offside) – given
What happened: A goal was scored by Ali Riley (LA) but disallowed by the on-field officials for an offside offense by teammate Madison Hammond (LA).
The VAR saw that while Hammond was in a clear offside position when the ball was played into the penalty she did not interfere with play. An on-field review was recommended, and after Video Review, the referee awarded a goal.
On-field decision: No goal – offside.
Type of review: Goal.
Final decision after review: Goal.
Length of review: 2:32.
PRO’s opinion: When the ball was in flight, Hammond moved into the area where the ball was going to land and made physical contact with Casey Krueger (CHI), who was attempting to play the ball. There was clear contact, and although Hammond was not guilty of offside – interfering with play, she was guilty of offside for interfering with an opponent. The original on-field decision should not have been changed.
What happened: A goal was scored by Esther González (NJY) but disallowed by the on-field officials for offside after a delayed flag and whistle.
The VAR concluded that González was onside when the ball was last touched by teammate Delanie Sheehan (NJY). 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 NJ/NY Gotham.
On-field decision: No goal – offside.
Type of review: Goal.
Final decision after review: Goal.
Length of review: 2:37.
PRO’s opinion: This was a good example of a delayed flag and whistle and a good use of the Video Review system to reach the correct outcome.