It’s been talked about for weeks, but Video Review has finally made its debut in MLS. Over the 11 games played this past weekend, VAR was implemented with designated officials in the stadium that would be in contact with the head officials on the field. Each “high-leverage” situation such as goals, penalties, red cards and mistaken identity are subject to review, with the VAR official keeping in contact with the head referee to discern if a review is necessary.
The first official VAR review came in the Philadelphia Union and FC Dallas game. The call came in the later minutes of the match after the Union were leading 3-0. Dallas’ Cristian Colman went for a through ball towards goal and instead of getting full contact with the ball, he unintentionally kicked Philadelphia goalkeeper John McCarthy just before the goal was scored by Maxi Urruti. Head referee Ricardo Salazar and VAR ref Hilario Grajeda ruled out the goal and the match resumed with a Union free kick at the point of the foul.
VAR will continue to be implemented throughout the MLS season and into the playoffs later in the year.
