The Definitive Angle: MLS Week 34
The Definitive Angle is PRO’s analysis of the week’s Video Review use in MLS.
Week 34 overview
There were four Video Reviews during Week 34.
CLB vs ORL: Offside (no penalty)
What happened: After review, Orlando #10 [Facundo Torres] was in an offside position prior to the punishable handball offense by Columbus #18 [Malte Amundsen]. Orlando #10 then interfered with play when he touched the ball.
The final decision was offside and an indirect free kick [to Columbus Crew].
Length of Review: 3:46
PRO’s opinion: Torres’ (ORL) shot was saved by Patrick Schulte (CLB). The ball then went to Duncan McGuire (ORL), whose shot struck Amundsen’s (CLB) arm. Amundsen’s arm was extended into the path of the ball, creating a barrier, and deflected the ball over the goal. This was a handball offense; however, when the attacking phase of play was checked, Torres was in an offside position when Martin Ojeda (ORL) took the free kick. Torres then interfered with play when he touched the ball, and the referee was correct to award an indirect free kick for the offside offense.
RBNY vs ATL: Penalty
What happened: After review, Atlanta #35 [Ajani Fortune] fouled New York #11 [Elias Manoel] inside the penalty area.
The final decision was penalty [to New York Red Bulls].
Length of Review: 1:52
PRO’s opinion: From the referee’s angle, it appeared that Manoel (RBNY) kicked Fortune (ATL) when the pair challenged for the ball, and a direct free kick to Atlanta United was awarded. However, Fortune did not play the ball but instead kicked Manoel’s leg. The referee correctly changed his decision to a penalty kick after video review.
The final decision was a penalty kick [to St Louis CITY].
Length of Review: 2:38
The final decision was a goal [to Real Salt Lake].
Length of review: 4:18
Please note: These videos do not contain audio. They are a recording of the screen as viewed by the VAR in real-time.