The Definitive Angle is PRO’s analysis of the week’s Video Review use in NWSL.
Week 8 overview
There were three Video Reviews during Week 8.
BOS vs ORL: Penalty kick
Outcome: After review, Orlando #8 [Luana Bertolucci Paixão] committed a punishable handball offense inside the penalty area.
The final decision was a penalty kick [to Boston Legacy].
Length of Review: 2:24
PRO’s opinion: When challenging to head the ball from the corner, Luana (ORL) handled the ball with her right hand, which was above her shoulder and made her body unnaturally bigger. The referee was correct to award a penalty kick after video review.
BAY vs BOS: Penalty kick
Outcome: After review, Bay #29 [Jordan Silkowitz] fouled Boston #14 [Aissata Traoré] inside the penalty area.
The final decision was a penalty kick [to Boston Legacy].
Length of Review: 3:07
PRO’s opinion: After failing to get a clean connection on a shot, Traoré (BOS) collided with Silkowitz (BAY), who had jumped to make a play on the ball. This is a subjective decision because an argument can be made that the goalkeeper was not at fault for the collision as the attacker moved toward her, not the other way around. PRO would have preferred that a video review not be recommended because the on-field decision was not a clear and obvious error.
The final decision was a red card to Orlando #7.
Length of Review: 1:50
Please note: These videos do not contain audio. They are a recording of the screen as viewed by the VAR in real-time.