Under A Microscope: Danny Califf's Goal Saving Block

by Scott Kessler on Apr 17, 2011 7:59 PM EDT in Editorials

When the Sons of Ben decide to chant a player's name during a Philadelphia Union game, there are only two main reasons for it happening: (1) A substitute comes onto the field (i.e. Ooooooh Danny Mwanga) or (2) a spectacular play was had by an Union player.

Carlos Ruiz, the Union's Guatemalan international striker, had the Sons of Ben chanting his name after his freekick goal in the 32nd minute, to put the Union up 1-0 over the Seattle Sounders. Danny Califf had his own moment to shine later on in the game, one of equal importance to that of Ruiz's goal to the game's outcome.

After a save by goalkeeper Faryd Mondragon, after a shot by the Sounders' forward Fredy Montero, spilled into the middle of the 18, Califf made the save of the year (so far) for the Union. Facing down an Alvaro Fernandez shot straight on goal, Califf managed to drive shot clear off the line. The ball hit Califf high and fast, leaving little time to see exactly where the ball struck him.

The Sounders in the area quickly raised their hands, hoping to have the referee call a handball on Califf. Instead, referee Terry Vaughn quickly, and strongly, signaled off their requests. Califf's block stood and the Union almost made off with a counter attack.

What do you think the ball struck? Chin? Face? Shoulder? Arm? A picture of the exact moment after the jump.

Apologies for the grainy picture, it's the best quality available.

After watching the play repeatedly and viewing this picture, it's pretty clear to me that the ball strikers Califf in the face. His reaction afterwards indicates that theory, as his head snaps back from what would be a case of whiplash. For once this season a referee got an important call inside the box correct. Kudos to Vaughn.

Here's the video of the play (skip to 4:09 for the replays that are closer to the action that the live tape):

After seeing the "evidence," what do you think happened?

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Careful Review

It hit his chin… I remeber thinking.. OUCH!! That will sting. I watched the replay several times – Sorry lads!! Good call ref.

by Craicwas90 on Apr 17, 2011 8:26 PM EDT reply actions

Spelling

“Remember”… Time for a new keyboard.

by Craicwas90 on Apr 17, 2011 8:26 PM EDT up reply actions

Great call, great stop.

Managing Editor for Brotherly Game, SBNation's Philadelphia Union blog and contributor for SBN Philly. // @scottdkessler
"College is only 4 years, but the Eagles are for life." - Ironhank

by Scott Kessler on Apr 17, 2011 9:58 PM EDT up reply actions

After watching a few times, I also came to the conclusion that it hit his face. I think he wanted to copy Mondragon’s stop off the boards last week.

by duckyninja on Apr 18, 2011 9:56 AM EDT reply actions

After replaying it on my DVR on slo-mo a bunch of times

I think it hit him in the upper chest, just off to one side. Maybe it also grazed his chin, but I think the impact was on his chest mainly. I also think it did his his shoulder/maybe a bit of the upper arm, but the ref made the right call. Califf wouldn’t have even had time to move his arm to stop that ball if he’d wanted to; that was a rocket.

by Nevtelen on Apr 18, 2011 12:27 PM EDT reply actions

When I first saw it on the screen at the game it looked like it caught him in the throat. I watched it over a few times in the highlights and it definitely looks like he tucked his chin just in time for it to hit him there. And it does seem to be a little to the right maybe catching his shoulder after the chin hit.

Good call on the refs part.

by Ryan Bross on Apr 27, 2011 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions

Sounders fan here - sorry for intruding

But I have to agree: the ref made the right call. When I saw it, I thought it went off of his face. Virtually everyone on the SBN Sounder’s blog (in the game thread) agreed it wasn’t a handball. Unfortunate for us – but that’s soccer! Your guy made a great play.

Enjoy your week off and best of fortunes to your team the rest of the way.

by Orothar on Apr 19, 2011 8:57 PM EDT reply actions

I asked Dave if there was any discussion about it, he said not much at all. Thought it happened too quickly to even make a decent call but the referee certainly managed to do so.

Managing Editor for Brotherly Game, SBNation's Philadelphia Union blog and contributor for SBN Philly. // @scottdkessler
"College is only 4 years, but the Eagles are for life." - Ironhank

by Scott Kessler on Apr 20, 2011 9:46 AM EDT up reply actions