The Definitive Angle: MLS Week 37
The Definitive Angle is PRO’s analysis of the week’s Video Review use in MLS.
Week 37 overview
There were three Video Reviews during Week 37.
ATX vs LA: Review for penalty kick (foul challenge) – not given
What happened: Leo Väisänen (ATX) slid in and challenged Cristian Olivera (LAFC) for the ball inside the penalty area, and Olivera went to ground. The referee’s view was obstructed, and he allowed play to continue.
The VAR determined that Väisänen had tripped Olivera without playing the ball. 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: 1:50.
PRO’s opinion: This was a foul by Väisänen and a good use of the Video Review system to rectify a clear and obvious error.
CHI vs CLT: Review for penalty kick (foul challenge) – not given
What happened: Miguel Navarro (CHI) impeded Enzo Copetti’s (CLT) run inside the penalty area, and Copetti went to ground. This was off the ball and the referee did not see the tripping offense and allowed play to continue.
The VAR determined that Navarro tripped Copetti as he ran into space to receive the cross from the left. 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: 1:50.
PRO’s opinion: Navarro initiated the contact with Copetti by tripping him. This had a clear impact and was a good, efficient use of the Video Review system to rectify a clear and obvious error.
What happened: Justen Glad (RSL) challenged Erik Thommy (SKC) for the ball just outside the penalty area, and Thommy went to ground. The referee did not identify an offense in real-time and allowed play to continue.
The VAR analyzed the available angles and determined this was a clear holding offense. He also saw that this hold denied an obvious goal-scoring opportunity. An on-field review was recommended, and after Video Review, the referee awarded a direct free kick to Sporting Kansas City and issued a red card to Glad for DOGSO.
On-field decision: Play on.
Type of review: Red card (DOGSO).
Final decision after review: Red card.
Length of review: 1:25.
PRO’s opinion: Glad fouled Thommy by holding him and preventing him from gaining possession. If not for the foul, Thommy would have had an obvious goal-scoring opportunity. This was a clear DOGSO red card and a good use of the Video Review system to reach the correct outcome.