Portland Timbers Vs D.C. United: 3 things we learned – VAR controversy

1. VAR controversy

VAR was introduced by Major League Soccer back in late-2017, and despite having what is essentially two full seasons in the books with the system in place, it appears they still have no idea on how to use it. This match showed a clear and obvious example of a VAR mishap with a ball crossing the Timbers’ goal-line. After review, it was determined to be a non-goal. But here’s the problem: it was a goal.

Now, D.C. United would win regardless of the missed call. But that’s not the point. The point is getting the call right and using the resources they have available to them.

The goal-post view shown below in Taylor Twellman’s tweet is from a camera angle ESPN has but is not available in the average MLS match. Using this view, it appears the ball did in fact cross the line and should have been ruled a good goal for D.C. United.

VAR has had its fair share of controversial moments in MLS, and this is just the latest. The reasoning behind VAR is to get the call right. Officials on the field can’t possibly see everything and in real-time. Offsides or red cards or goal-line decisions can all be extremely tight. VAR is in place to review an incorrect call and correct it if there is clear and obvious proof it should be overturned.

If the true reason for this goal not standing is MLS VAR didn’t have the ESPN goal-post angle, that is unacceptable. That being said, even their angle looks rather obvious.

In the grand scheme of things, for this match, the non-call didn’t matter. But what if it did? What if this call occurred to a team in the MLS playoffs? MLS need to get these calls right. Because if they don’t, what is the point in VAR?