Major League Soccer and the Professional Referee Organization today announced Jon Freemon as the 2026 MLS Referee of the Year and Felisha Mariscal as the 2026 MLS Assistant Referee of the Year. Both earn the honors for the first time in their careers, with Mariscal becoming the first woman to win MLS Assistant Referee of the Year since Kathryn Nesbitt in 2020.
Since making his MLS debut in August 2020, Freemon has officiated 112 regular-season matches, including 21 in 2026. His career highlights include five Audi MLS Cup Playoffs assignments across 2023 and 2025, including the 2025 Eastern Conference Final. He also served as the video assistant referee for the 2021 MLS All-Star Game, refereed the 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final and was the fourth official for MLS Cup 2023 presented by Audi.
Mariscal made her MLS debut in March 2014 and has since officiated 153 regular-season matches, including 19 in 2026. She has also worked four Audi MLS Cup Playoffs matches, with appearances in 2018, 2023 and twice in 2024, and served as the reserve assistant referee for the 2025 MLS All-Star Game. Internationally, Mariscal has represented the United States at major tournaments, including the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where she earned six match assignments, including three on-field appearances and two as an assistant video referee.
Nominated by a selection process that included executives from the Professional Referee Organization, candidates for both MLS Referee and Assistant Referee of the Year were voted on by MLS club technical staff, media, and MLS players.
MLS Referee of the Year nominees:
Jon Freemon (WINNER)
Rosendo Mendoza
Rubiel Vazquez
MLS Assistant Referee of the Year nominees:
Ryan Graves
Jeremy Kieso
Felisha Mariscal (WINNER)
Please click here for a list of previous winners