The Definitive Angle is PRO’s analysis of the week’s Video Review use in MLS.
Matchday 32 overview
There were three Video Reviews during Matchday 32.
PHI vs NE: Penalty kick
Outcome: After review, Philadelphia #44 [Neil Pierre] fouled New England #10 [Carles Gil] inside the penalty area.
The final decision was a penalty kick [to New England Revolution].
Length of Review: 2:57
PRO’s opinion: The referee initially awarded an indirect free kick for an offside offense by Gil (NE), but at the moment the ball was played to the attacker, he was in his own half and therefore in an onside position. As he entered the penalty area, Pierre (PHI) went to ground and made contact with his legs, tripping him and forcing him to ground. The referee was correct to award a penalty kick after video review.
SD vs SEA: Penalty kick and yellow card
Outcome: After review, Seattle #16 [Alex Roldan] fouled San Diego #90 [Amahl Pellegrino] inside the penalty area.
The final decision was a penalty kick [to San Diego FC] and a yellow card to Seattle #16 for a reckless challenge.
Length of Review: 2:06
PRO’s opinion: After Pellegrino (SD) had already taken his shot, Roldan (SEA) made contact with his left trailing leg in a reckless manner without attempting to block the shot. The referee was correct to award a penalty kick and issue a yellow card after video review.
Outcome: After review, LAFC #99 [Denis Bouanga] was in an offside position when the ball was played into the penalty area by LAFC #14 [Sergi Palencia]. LAFC #99 then gained an advantage when he played the ball prior to LAFC #7 [Son Heung-Min] scoring a goal.
The final decision was offside and an indirect free kick [to LA Galaxy].
Length of Review: 4:01
PRO’s opinion: Garces (LA) moved to the ball, which was moving slowly, and was in control of his body when he attempted to play it. The referee saw the skip of the ball in front of Garces as a consideration for a reactive move and not a deliberate play of the ball, but the defender’s actions constituted a deliberate play, which would have reset the offside considerations and put Bouanga (LAFC) onside as he received the ball directly from an opponent and the goal should have stood. The VAR was correct to recommend a review, but the referee incorrectly maintained the original decision of offside after video review.