The Definitive Angle: MLS Week 25
The Definitive Angle is PRO’s analysis of the week’s Video Review use in MLS.
Week 25 overview
There were six Video Reviews during Week 25.
CLB vs TOR: Foul (no goal)
What happened: Columbus #31 [Steven Moreira] moved and created contact with Toronto #11 [Derrick Etienne Jr] prior to Columbus #9 [Cucho] scoring a goal.
The final decision was that the goal [for Columbus Crew] was disallowed. Play restarted with a direct free kick [to Toronto].
Length of review: 2:38
PRO’s opinion: This was a clear action by Moreira (CLB) to block Etienne Jr (TOR) from being able to challenge Cucho (CLB) for the ball.
SEA vs NE: Mistaken identity
What happened: After review, the yellow card given to Seattle #8 [Joshua Atencio] was incorrectly issued. The foul on New England #34 [Ryan Spaulding] was committed by Seattle #13 [Jordan Morris].
The final decision was the yellow card for Seattle #8 was rescinded and given to Seattle #13. Play restarted with a direct free kick [to New England Revolution].
Length of review: 1:09
PRO’s opinion: The holding offense was committed by Morris (SEA) and not Atencio (SEA). The referee correctly rescinded the yellow card to Atencio and showed it to Morris. This was a good use of the Video Review system to rectify a clear and obvious error.
As a reminder, mistaken identity is considered a factual review per the VAR protocol, which means that the referee does not need to go to the monitor. However, the referee will still show the VAR signal before changing the original on-field decision.
What happened: After review, Chicago #12 [Thomas Barlow] was in an offside position when the ball was passed to him by Chicago #17 [Brian Gutiérrez] to score. Chicago #12 then interfered with play when he touched the ball.
The final decision was offside and an indirect free kick [to San Jose Earthquakes].
Length of Review: 2:12
PRO’s opinion: The referee was correct to disallow the goal scored by Barlow (CHI) because he was in an offside position when the ball was last played by his teammate, Gutiérrez (CHI). This was a good use of the Video Review system to disallow a goal for an offside situation.
What happened: After review, Minnesota #21 [Bongokuhle Hlongwane] was in an offside position in the buildup to the goal by Minnesota #25 [Alejandro Bran]. Minnesota #21 then interfered with play when he touched the ball.
The final decision was offside and an indirect free kick [to LA Galaxy].
Length of Review: 1:27
PRO’s opinion: The referee was correct to disallow the goal scored by Bran (MIN) because Hlongwane (MIN) was in an offside position when the ball was last played by his teammate, Sang Bin Jeong (MIN). This was a good use of the Video Review system to disallow a goal for an offside situation.
POR vs NSH: Red card for serious foul play
What happened: After review, Nashville #27 [Tah Anunga] committed a serious foul play offense on Portland #24 [David Ayala].
The final decision was red card for serious foul play.
Length of review: 2:10
PRO’s opinion: Anunga (NSH) lunged into the challenge at high speed with excessive force and made contact on the legs of Ayala (POR) using his legs and body. The referee was correct in rescinding the yellow card he had issued for a reckless challenge and instead show a red card for serious foul play. This was a good use of the Video Review system to rectify a clear and obvious error.
POR vs NSH: No penalty kick
What happened: After review, Nashville #18 [Shaq Moore] did not foul Portland #14 [Jonathan Rodríguez] inside the penalty area.
The final decision was no penalty and a drop ball [to Nashville].
Length of Review: 2:47
PRO’s opinion: Moore (NSH) made a clear action in an attempt to play the ball, and Rodríguez (POR) went to ground. There was no impactful contact created by Moore’s leg or foot and the referee was correct to rescind the penalty.
Please note: These videos do not contain audio. They are a recording of the screen as viewed by the VAR in real-time.