PRO announce crew for 2016 MLS All-Star game
Image: Chris Penso, who will referee the MLS All-Star game against Arsenal at the end of July
With just under a month to go until the MLS All-Star game, PRO have announced the officials that will be on duty for the annual showcase event.
On Thursday July 28, the league’s finest players will go head-to-head with English giants Arsenal – runners-up in the Premier League last season.
In charge of proceedings will be referee Chris Penso, who has been prominent in the MLS middle this year. The 34-year-old was fourth official for both the MLS Cup and U.S. Open Cup in 2015.
Stats: Click here for PRO officials’ statistics
Joining Penso at San Jose Earthquakes’ Avaya Stadium will be assistant referees Frank Anderson and Matthew Nelson.
Anderson has vast experience, taking charge of well over 150 MLS games in his career, and is one of the most-assigned ARs in 2016. Fellow AR Nelson reached the 50-game MLS career milestone in Week 3, having made his league debut in 2012.
Juan Guzman, who refereed the 2013 U.S. Open Cup Final, will be on fourth official duties, while the vastly experienced Chris Strickland – an AR who has officiated in MLS since its inception – completes the crew for the 21st All-Star game as the reserve assistant referee.
Read more: Click here for more information about the 2016 MLS All-Star game on mlssoccer.com
07/28/2016 – MLS All-Star game
MLS All-Stars v Arsenal
Avaya Stadium (8pm EDT)
REF: CHRIS PENSO
AR1: Frank Anderson
AR2: Matthew Nelson
4TH: Juan Guzman
5TH: Chris Strickland
Interviews:
>> Chris Penso: “I may have ran and jumped around in celebration…”
>> Matthew Nelson delighted to receive highest honor of career with MLS All-Star assignment