A Penalty Kick Nightmare | VAR, Red Cards, & Re-Takes of Infamous PK Shootout

Penalty kicks are said to be the cruelest way to decide a match...

However on November 21, 2020 - the word ‘cruelty’ doesn’t begin to describe the drama of a shootout between Orlando City SC and New York City FC. Discover the stories behind one of the most infamous playoff matches in MLS History, that included a perfect storm of rule technicalities, combined with the pressure of a knock-out playoff match, and the twists and turns of a sudden death shootout.

The drama of this match also extends to hotly debated topics across the world, including the use of VAR and goalkeeper positioning on penalty kicks, two items that are continuously evolving over time.

Ultimately this type of pressure and drama are what makes the game so entertaining for those watching and yet so difficult to navigate for the players, coaches, and referees involved. Could you handle the pressure?

Playoff Moments is an anthology series that revisits the most memorable moments in MLS Playoff History, told by the players, coaches, and individuals who shaped them into legends.

[Nephewblue]

More deep dives like this in a documentary form with multiple viewpoints from the individuals involved would be dope content from MLS.

[nathanellis]

It was really interesting getting Chapman’s point of view

[brianhinkle]

Well done MLS, I love that you included Alan Chapman and he had the courage to even do this, way to show that referees are humans as well and we need to consider them too. Alan Chapman I applauded you greatly, well done, well done!!

[heidimark]

I don't know why Chapman felt he let the league down. Regardless of how long things took to figure out, the right calls were ultimately made according to the rules that were currently in effect.

[Nicholas-cmrx]

Not always a fan of Chapman but hearing the situation firsthand, sounds like he did his job and did it well. I wish him the best and can feel his pain, such an unrewarding profession. Head up Alan!

[fernyg]

Absolute Epic game. The ref has nothing to be sorry for. I loved every minute of it.

[greeproductions]

Legendary game, was screaming at my TV for 10 minutes. Let's go Lions!!!

[tjallday]

2 big things they glanced over:
• The ref initially allowed Rowe, the backup substitute GK for Orlando, to come on and get in goal to face the next penalty. He was then told to get off the pitch as they could not make a sub. The ref then again allowed him briefly to return on the field, only for him to finally say that Orlando were definitely not allowed to make a sub, and a field player who was already on the field would have to take the gloves and play GK

• The only reason Orlando celebrated after the Schlegel save was because the ref had blown the whistle, indicating the game was over and they had won! It was not a mistaken celebration from Orlando thinking the game was over, it was a mistaken final whistle from the ref who thought the game was over.

Really wished they explained that better in this video, because that is what truly happened. I watched the whole thing happen live at the stadium

[pilothaha]

I don’t blame the ref, it’s just sad that the rules had a problem. Glad Orlando had the result they deserved however

[oshsfalcons]

The ref wasn’t in the wrong whatsoever! He did his job perfectly! Being hard on oneself. I hate refs but this man did his job 👌🏽

[angelalicea]

Can't believe I witnessed this in person.. This was the craziest game I have seen in my life. Schlegel killed it and it a moment I won't ever forget. OCSC VAMOS ORLANDO

[COYSMate]

The context definitely helps. And I’m glad they got ride of that rule. In the moment, when it happened I was flabbergasted and blown away with the drama lol

[gavinpikky]

I remember watching this live, couldn't believe the insanity I was watching!

[choduffield]

Chapman was 100% correct according to the laws with the keeper off the line and the red card. He clearly didn't want to do that, but he didn't have a choice.

I wish he'd have explained his thought process around allowing the keeper replacement. That's pretty basic to know it's not allowed in this situation. My guess is that there was some sort of confusion because of the additional subs/windows allowed due to Covid.

As for the celebration, that really was just a brain fart. Quite frankly, given everything up to then losing count seems likely especially with a different keeper in the net which may have thrown his mental count off, but he looked at his book and then blew it. I'm guessing he messed up back when the keeper was off the line. That would have been a miss for NY which then turned into a make. Not acceptable, but likely what happened.

[AndroidMessi]

As a neutral watching, this was the craziest thing I've ever witnessed

[adzter]

Thank god Orlando won that match. The aftermath if we'd lost would not have been good

[tamagonbagel]

Could someone explain why the ref said he let the league down? It sounds like he made the right call after all. Did I miss something?

[GeniusLad]

I don't know why the rules would even say you give a yellow for that in the first place. Absolutely ridiculous, retaking the penalty is enough of a punishment. It's like being given a yellow for being offside more than twice in a match.

[SirLANcelt]

the retake was fair, thats just how it works.
rules are rules, even if its just a couple inches.
but a yellow for coming off his line? I've never heard that anywhere

[jayeffsixteen]

now your yellows are erased into the shootout so he wouldnt have been sent off