The Definitive Angle is PRO’s analysis of the week’s Video Review use in MLS.
Matchday 9 overview
There were two Video Reviews during Matchday 9.
NYC vs CIN: No goal (foul)
Outcome: After review, Cincinnati #10 [Evander] fouled New York #24 [Tayvon Gray] prior to scoring a goal.
The final decision was no goal and a direct free kick [to New York City FC].
Length of Review: 2:13
PRO’s opinion: In the buildup to the goal, Gray (NYC) attempted to dispossess Evander (CIN), but the attacker got the better of him and released a pass to Kenji Mboma Dem (CIN). In the process of moving into space, Evander tripped Gray and was then able to run unchallenged into a position from where he scored. The VAR recommended a review because he determined that the contact was a tripping offense. The referee correctly disallowed the goal after video review for a foul in the attacking phase of play.
ATL vs NE: No goal (offside)
Outcome: After review, New England #11 [Dor Turgeman] committed an offside offense prior to New England #80 [Alhassan Yusuf] scoring a goal when he interfered with Atlanta #1’s [Lucas Hoyos] ability to defend.
The final decision was offside, and play restarted with an indirect free kick [to Atlanta United].
Length of review: 4:29
PRO’s opinion: When Yusuf (NE) shot at goal, Turgeman (NE) was in an offside position and in close proximity to Enea Mihaj (ATL). The assistant referee communicated that the attacker was too far away from the goal to have an impact on the goalkeeper, Hoyos (ATL), and the referee awarded a goal. The VAR believed that Turgeman was standing in Hoyos’ line of vision, which forced him to lean slightly to his left to try to see the ball, and that impacted the goalkeeper’s ability to attempt to make a save. The referee disallowed the goal for offside, interfering with an opponent, after video review.
PRO does not feel that there was sufficient evidence that there was a clear impact on the goalkeeper’s ability to attempt to play the ball. Mihaj was also in Hoyos’ direct line, and he would have had to lean anyway, plus Turgeman was moving away from the ball, not toward it. The original on-field decision was not a clear and obvious error.