Experimental referee video technology used in maiden trial run

After getting clearance to employ Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in North America's third-tier USL by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), it was put to use during its first trial run Friday.

Related: MLS, USL get go ahead for Video Assistant Referee trials

New York Red Bulls II hosted Orlando City B at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J., and it didn't take long for the match official to source the experimental technology when Junior Flemmings was brought down on the edge of the area by Conor Donovan.

Match official Ismail Elfath originally determined that the foul took place outside the box before checking with the VAR on the touchline. Elfath ruled that the foul was correctly adjudged, but added that Donovan was the last man back, promptly brandishing a red card for the Orlando defender.

(Courtesy: USL Soccer)

Elfath reviewed a second incident in the 80th minute when OCB's Kyle Callan-McFadden was guilty of a dangerous challenge on NYRBII's Florian Valot. It took less than a minute to review, with the match official showing McFadden a yellow.

"It’s a credit to MLS and to USL that they want to be on the front foot as far as technology, the game of soccer, advancing the game of soccer and advancing the product," NYRBII head coach John Wolyniec said after the match.

"I’m all for that, and I’m glad to be a part of it because we consider ourselves an innovative, aggressive, and advanced team."