New York City FC defeated the Philadelphia Union 3-1 to advance to the MLS Conference Semifinals on Wednesday in the Bronx. On its face, it was a comprehensive victory, with the Union’s lone goal coming far too late in the 83rd minute. But one shocking no-call in the first half absolutely had an impact on the game, and MLS is being a bit tone-deaf in the aftermath.
In the 34th minute of the MLS Knockout Round match, the Eastern Conference’s third-place team New York City already led the sixth-place team Philadelphia 2-0 thanks to goals from Ismael Tajouri-Shradi in the 10th minute and David Villa in the 26th.
The Union, trying to get back into the match, made a nice foray forward into the area. Keegan Rosenberry played Alejandro Bedoya into the box where the former USMNT midfielder sent a first-time cross back across the pitch.
Before Bedoya’s pass even reached anyone, NYCFC left back Ben Sweat absolutely obliterated Bedoya with a crunching tackle.
The referee allowed play to continue, eventually calling offside on Philadelphia when a shot was deflected by an offside player. While allowing play to continue for a brief moment wasn’t a bad call, not coming back to the initial awful challenge from Sweat absolutely was. Even more shocking, the VAR failed to step in to rectify the situation.
NYCFC went on to score a third in the 78th minute through Maximiliano Morález before Philadelphia finally got on the board in the 83rd minute through Cory Burke. But you can’t help but think how the game might’ve been different had Philadelphia been given a penalty kick to pull within 2-1 before halftime (not to mention a possible red card for Sweat given the severity of the challenge, though I think a yellow would have sufficed).
To compound matters, Major League Soccer’s social media team put together a little video to highlight the mistake, capitalizing on a marketing opportunity with Pringles with this tweet, asking fans if this was a penalty or not.
Agree with the call in #NYCvPHI? // @Pringles pic.twitter.com/4yT40bYpWL
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 1, 2018
It’s a bit surprising that MLS would call attention to this blatant mistake from its referees, who would probably fail this quiz.
One of the first people to respond to the tone-deaf tweet was Bedoya himself. He was still nonplussed at the no call the morning after and was happy just to have survived the challenge without injury.
Hell no, I don’t agree with the call. I’m pretty sure that’s a blatant & obvious penalty. Could’ve changed the game. I’m lucky my ankle is still intact. https://t.co/IdozCOgeUA
— Alejandro Bedoya (@AleBedoya17) November 1, 2018
It’s hard to argue with Bedoya on this one. Whether you like him or not, root for NYCFC, Philadelphia or are neutral, it’s hard to argue in favor of not calling a penalty on this play.
Alas, the refs who matter missed the call and NYCFC is moving on to play Atlanta United in the Conference Semifinals.
In the meantime, here are some other Twitter reactions on the shocking no call.
Stone cold. https://t.co/NL4XDNGf1R
— Alexi Lalas (@AlexiLalas) November 1, 2018
I tweeted @22BenSweat last night that his tackle on bedoya was dirty and he blocked me, hahah. Not an @ATLUTD fan, but I hope that they pummel @NYCFC in the next round. Toughen up, Ben. I hope to never see you in a us jersey again!
— Julie (@Jewelz079) November 1, 2018
It's a penalty every day of the week. Serious question, though: does the official get disciplined for missing it? What say you, @PROreferees?
— All 3 Points (@all3points) November 1, 2018
It’s worse that the ball is gone - the defender is late and high and went through the player in an out of control manner - probably a red card as well
— Peterabbit68 (@peterabbit68) November 1, 2018
Not just your opinion - dem be the rules....
— John Vance (@YinandaYang) November 1, 2018
Era penal. If that had a been a slide against Villa, it would have been 2 PKs for NYCFC--that's how much MLS in jonesing for a LA-NY final
— AngryFembot (@CassaGoSoccer) November 1, 2018
Why are we asked to do someone else’s job
— Zavian Walker (@ZavianWalker) November 1, 2018
Penalty all day how he doesn’t call is crazy
— Mohammed Saeid (@Msaeid8) November 1, 2018
Yeah that might not be a penalty but that’s only in #Fifa19 where that’s not @EASPORTSFIFA
— MaNCity (@GOCubsGo1689) November 1, 2018
Penal, Penal, Penal!!! (Spanish commentator voice)
— AceMamba (@koobry) November 1, 2018
Good thing they have VAR to catch that. What’s that? They didn’t go to VAR for that?!?! Good work @PROreferees. You continue to demonstrate how inept your organization is.
— Jordan Doenges (@JordanDoenges) November 1, 2018
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