MLS Early Season Observation, Holding. Disturbing Trend or Aberration

[Alberto]

Granted I’ve not had the chance to watch many MLS matches so far this season, but there seems to be a trend for more holding and pushing by defenders than in previous seasons. Last night’s Rapids Earthquake match was a good example. There was a breakaway late in the match were the offensive player had split both central defenders and was racing un marked to the goal. One of the defenders made a great recovery and caught up with him and was shoulder to shoulder when he reached up and placed his hand on the defenders shoulder. The defender to his own detriment went down in a heap and no foul was called. This was a hold and should have resulted in a send off. No clearer example of DOGSO could have been presented. The foul occurred at the top of the penalty area. No other defender was nearby only the goalkeeper to beat. There were other examples in this match as well as the Metrostars vs. United match of blatant pushes and holds that were not called. The good thing is the jersey pulling is down. Perhaps my perceptions are influenced by watch Serie A, La Liga and the Bundesliga.

Your thoughts, were these aberrations or does the MLS have a problem?

[Ref Flunkie]

If he had actually caught up with the player would it really have been DOGSO? From the games I have seen, I have not seen a trend this way, in fact, the commentators have complained about ticky tack fouls more often than not. However, this is the same thing that has happened in the NHL in the past years, more grabbing and holding and interference going on, where the refs would have to call a penalty every 5 seconds in order to keep everything in check. The defenders don't care how they get their jobs done, as long as they do. Also, you said the attacker went down "in a heap", perhaps if the attacker had tried to get through it, it would have been called. Too many attackers just give up and expect the ref to bail them out. I think once a directive is given to the refs to clamp down on holding while also instructing attackers to stop bailing out, things may start to settle down a bit. I'm just thinking off the top of my head though, I'm sure there are others here with stronger opinions.

[Statesman]

I remember the play you are talking about and did not feel there was a foul. Saheli was in good position and it had all the appearances of a dive from my POV. Saheli did call a few legitimate holds where the player did not go down and kept going with the ball but had no advantage, which I have seen several other MLS referees miss.

Ricardo Valenzuela also made a few similar calls in Fire v DC. One of note was Nate Jacqua turning towards goal about 30 yards out from the left wing. A DC player (didn't catch who) gave him a nice tug but he kept going. However, with the number of defenders still back and a lack of attacking supporters Ricardo still gave them a free kick, rightly so.

BTW, anybody catch Freddy getting his first caution only a few moments after he came in for holding? Good for Ricardo :)

Alberto, I do think teams are more willing to hold or take down a streaking attacker to stop the play, but it looks like most MLS referees are dealing with it properly.

[Alberto]

I remember the play you are talking about and did not feel there was a foul. Saheli was in good position and it had all the appearances of a dive from my POV. Saheli did call a few legitimate holds where the player did not go down and kept going with the ball but had no advantage, which I have seen several other MLS referees miss.

Ricardo Valenzuela also made a few similar calls in Fire v DC. One of note was Nate Jacqua turning towards goal about 30 yards out from the left wing. A DC player (didn't catch who) gave him a nice tug but he kept going. However, with the number of defenders still back and a lack of attacking supporters Ricardo still gave them a free kick, rightly so.

BTW, anybody catch Freddy getting his first caution only a few moments after he came in for holding? Good for Ricardo :)

Alberto, I do think teams are more willing to hold or take down a streaking attacker to stop the play, but it looks like most MLS referees are dealing with it properly.

To me the hold by the defender was clear. He gained and advantage. The fact the offensive player flopped should not enter into the equation. It was a foul.

Yes, I agree Ali did a good job otherwise. Certainly much better than Prus last week.