Everything finally seemed to be falling into place for Real Salt Lake.
In the 85th minute of their Western Conference Semifinal second leg, with the aggregate score delicately posied at 1-1, Javier Morales delivered a free kick from just inside the Galaxy half that sailed – with plenty of help from the wind – past everyone in the area, including Galaxy 'keeper Jaime Penedo for what looke like a surefire series-winner.
The jubiliation in the Rio Tinto Stadium stands was short-lived, though.
Baldomero Toledo whistled for a foul on the goal, much to the bemusement of observers across the league, including ESPN color analyst Taylor Twellman. Replays later showed RSL defender Nat Borchers was in an offside position on the goal. The only problem? That doesn't appear the call Toledo made.
Looking at the replay, the assistant referee on the far side does not raise his flag for offside, and Toledo signaled for a foul and direct free kick. Furthermore, LA Galaxy Insider Adam Serrano reported that the call was for a foul by a "yet to be unidentified player," though it is difficult to see exactly where the foul is.
It sure seems like a case of wrong call, right outcome, but it's a puzzling situation nonetheless.
What do you think? Did Toledo make the right call or was it a case of the wrong call but the right outcome? Or should there have been no foul at all? Make your voice heard in the comments below!
