The Definitive Angle: MLS Matchday 1
The Definitive Angle is PRO’s analysis of the week’s Video Review use in MLS.
Matchday 1 overview
There were two Video Reviews during Matchday 1.
CLB vs CHI: Yellow card (unsporting behavior)
Outcome: After review, Chicago #17 [Brian Gutiérrez] committed a reckless challenge on Columbus #21 [Yevhen Cheberko].
The final decision was a yellow card to Chicago #17 for unsporting behavior. Play restarted with a direct free kick [to Columbus Crew].
Length of review: 2:30
PRO’s opinion: Gutiérrez (CHI) used excessive force when he challenged from behind making significant contact with his arm to the back of the head of Cheberko (CLB). While there was some contact with the shoulder first, the arm went into Cheberko’s head with enough speed and force to be considered violent conduct. A red card should have been issued.
CLB vs CHI: Offside (no goal)
Outcome: After review, Columbus #25 [Sean Zawadzki] was in an offside position during the buildup to the goal by Columbus #13 [Aziel Jackson]. Columbus #25 then gained an advantage when he touched the ball.
The final decision was offside and an indirect free kick [to Chicago Fire].
Length of Review: 3:03
PRO’s opinion: The shot from Max Arfsten (CLB) deflected off the foot of Jonathan Dean (CHI) to Zawadzki (CLB). This was a deflection and not a deliberate play by Dean, and Zawadzki was in an offside position when the ball was last played by a teammate. The referee was correct to disallow the goal for the offside offense after video review.
Had the play on the ball been deliberate from Dean, this would have negated Zawadzki’s offside position, and the goal would have stood.
Please note: These videos do not contain audio. They are a recording of the screen as viewed by the VAR in real-time.