The Definitive Angle is PRO’s analysis of the week’s Video Review use in NWSL.
Week 16 overview
There were three Video Reviews during Week 16.
ORL vs LOU: No penalty
Outcome: After review, Louisville #15 [Mirann Gacioch] did not foul Orlando #20 [Julie Doyle] inside the penalty area.
The final decision was no penalty. Play restarted with a drop ball to Louisville #24 [Jordyn Bloomer].
Length of Review: 2:37
PRO’s opinion: Gacioch (LOU) made a legitimate attempt to block the shot, and the subsequent contact with Doyle (ORL) was a consequence of the defender’s natural momentum following that action. The referee was correct to cancel the penalty kick after video review.
ORL vs LOU: No goal (offside)
Outcome: After review, Louisville #13 [Emma Sears] was in an offside position when the ball was passed to her by Louisville #6 [Ella Hase]. Louisville #13 then interfered with play when she touched the ball prior to scoring a goal.
The final decision was offside and an indirect free kick [to Orlando Pride].
Length of Review: 2:05
PRO’s opinion: At the moment the ball was played to Sears (LOU) by Hase (LOU), she was in an offside position. The referee was correct to disallow the goal for the offside offense after video review.
The final decision was a goal [to North Carolina Courage].
Length of Review: 2:36
Please note: These videos do not contain audio. They are a recording of the screen as viewed by the VAR in real-time.