The Definitive Angle: MLS Matchday 8
The Definitive Angle is PRO’s analysis of the week’s Video Review use in MLS.
Matchday 8 overview
There were four Video Reviews during Matchday 8.
ATL vs NE: No goal (offside)
Outcome: After review, Atlanta #18 [Pedro Amador] was in an offside position when the ball was last touched by his teammate, Atlanta #19 [Emmanuel Latte Lath]. Atlanta #18 then gained an advantage when he touched the ball prior to the goal by Atlanta #10 [Miguel Almirón].
The final decision was offside and an indirect free kick [to New England Revolution].
Length of Review: 2:11
PRO’s opinion: Latte Lath’s (ATL) ball into the area was deflected away by Brayan Ceballos (NE) toward Amador (ATL). The touch by the defender was a deflection and not a deliberate play, therefore, Amador was in an offside position when the ball was last touched by a teammate.
The Laws of the Game state that a “deliberate play” is when a player has control of the ball with the possibility of passing, possessing, or clearing the ball. If a player has to stretch or their movement achieves only limited contact or control, it is not considered a “deliberate play”, even though the action by the defender is intentional or deliberate. The referee was correct to disallow the goal for the offside offense after video review.
NSH vs RSL: Yellow card
Outcome: After review, Nashville #2 [Daniel Lovitz] did not commit a violent conduct offense on Salt Lake #11 [Dominik Marczuk].
The final decision was a yellow card for reckless play and a direct free kick [to Real Salt Lake].
Length of review: 2:07
PRO’s opinion: Lovitz (NSH) challenged Marczuk (RSL) near the touchline after Marczuk had played the ball forward. Lovitz raised his arm and made contact with Marczuk’s neck, and the VAR believed that this contact constituted violent conduct and recommended a review. The referee, who had originally awarded a direct free kick to Real Salt Lake, determined that Lovitz’s action was reckless and part of his turning to follow the ball, and he issued a yellow card.
This is a subjective call, and PRO would have preferred a red card for violent conduct. Lovitz did nothing to avoid the contact or mitigate the force, and while it is possible that this was part of a turning action, he took a risk by using his arm in this manner.
The final decision was offside and an indirect free kick [to Nashville].
Length of Review: 2:06
The final decision was a penalty [to Sporting Kansas City].
Length of Review: 2:43