MLS week 15: A closer look at the assigned PRO officials
Image: Chris Penso watches on – he referees New York Red Bulls v Seattle Sounders in week 15
Major League Soccer returns after a brief absence, with a full schedule taking place in Week 15.
Not all of PRO’s officials are available however, with eight men from the roster still on duty in the Copa America Centenario.
Read more: PRO officials in action at the Copa America
The first league game since June 3 will see New York City and Eastern Conference leaders Philadelphia Union face off, and Silviu Petrescu has been assigned for the 1pm kick-off at Yankee Stadium.
Last year’s MLS c All-Star referee, Ismail Elfath, then takes charge of Vancouver Whitecaps versus Montreal Impact. Ian Anderson, who officiated in the 2015 US Open Cup, is on AR duty for the 10th time this season. Jeff Hosking and Dave Gantar make up the rest of the crew.
Stats: All the facts and figures for referees and ARs in MLS
Three matches begin at 7:30pm which will be refereed by Sorin Stoica, Ricardo Salazar and Robert Sibiga. The trio have been assigned to games at Columbus Crew, Toronto FC and Orlando City respectively.
At 9pm, Colorado Rapids – who lead the Western Conference – host Chicago Fire, with Juan Guzman the man in the middle. At the same time, Houston Dynamo meet D.C. United, with Mike Kampmeinert running the line, and the AR was the focus of PRO’s most recent Play of the Week.
Play of the Week 14 – Offside position
Allen Chapman is the man in charge at BBVA Compass Stadium, with the vastly experienced Chris Strickland, alongside Caleb Mendez, completing the team of officials.
Saturday’s final game pits Real Salt Lake against Portland Timbers – MLS Referee of the Year Alan Kelly has the whistle for that one.
Read more: MLS Week 15 assignments
On Sunday, Jorge Gonzalez kicks things off when Sporting Kansas City take on Dallas FC at Children’s Mercy Park, supported by ARs James Conlee and Sean Hurd, and Fotis Bazakos on fourth.
We recently interviewed Jose Carlos Rivero about his superstitions before stepping on the field to referee a game. The 35-year-old won’t be performing them this weekend however – he’s on fourth official duties for New York Red Bulls versus Seattle Sounders.
Chris Penso is in charge at Red Bull Arena, with Brian Dunn and Jeff Muschik on AR duty.
Interview: Superstitions and pre-match rituals with Jose Carlos Rivero
There are no NASL fixtures this week, but the USL and NWSL assignments can be viewed at the following links: