The crew for the 2026 NWSL Challenge Cup on Friday, June 26, has been announced. The showpiece game between Gotham FC and Kansas City Current will kick off at 8PM ET at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field.
Gotham FC vs Kansas City Current
ScottsMiracle-Gro Field (8PM ET)
REF: Brad Jensen
AR1: Chris Schurfranz
AR2: Sarah Gaddes
4TH: Alyssa Pennington
VAR: Alexandra Billeter
AVAR: Melissa Beck
RAR: Noah Kenyawani
Meet the crew:
Brad Jensen
Steps up to referee his first NWSL showpiece final, having previously been fourth official at the 2024 NWSL Championship, 2023 NWSL Challenge Cup, and the 2025 USL Championship Final. Has had a busy season so far, working games across NWSL, Gainbridge Super League, USL Championship, and the Prinx Tires USL Cup as a referee, and a further six games in the booth as a VAR for MLS and NWSL. Has also been the fourth official in MLS twice in 2026.
Chris Schurfranz
Works a fourth showpiece final in three years, having been an assistant referee at the 2025 NWSL Championship, 2025 USL Jägermeister Cup Final and the reserve assistant referee for the 2024 USL League One Final. Has officiated across MLS (making his debut in Matchday 3), NWSL, Gainbridge Super League, USL Championship, USL League One, and MLS NEXT Pro so far this season.
Sarah Gaddes
This will be a first showpiece final for Gaddes, who has worked more than 20 games across NWSL, Gainbridge Super League, USL Championship, USL League One, and MLS NEXT Pro this year. Was AR2 for Jensen in last season’s NWSL playoff semifinal between Washington Spirit and Portland Thorns.
Alyssa Pennington
A regular as a referee and VAR in NWSL, Pennington has also worked games in MLS, Gainbridge Super League and USL Championship this season. Refereed the 2024 NWSL Championship, when Jensen was the fourth official. Also refereed the NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup Final and was the fourth official for the NWSL Challenge Cup that same year.
Alexandra Billeter
Another working a fourth final. The two-time NWSL Challenge Cup referee (2023 and 2025), who was also the fourth official for the 2022 USL League One final, will work her first final as VAR. Has spent the majority of the season on the field or working in the booth in NWSL. Has also refereed in the Gainbridge Super League, USL Championship, USL League One, and been a fourth official in MLS.
Melissa Beck
The first half of the year has seen Beck combine working as an assistant referee in NWSL, Gainbridge Super League, USL League One, and MLS NEXT Pro, with a further 10 games as an AVAR in MLS and NWSL. Like Gaddes, this will be her first showpiece final.
Noah Kenyawani
Has taken to the field 22 times across NWSL, Gainbridge Super League, USL Championship, USL League One, Prinx Tires USL Cup, and MLS NEXT Pro this year. Officiated the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro Cup.
PRO wishes all the officials a successful and enjoyable final. This important assignment recognizes their excellent work throughout the season.