The crew for the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro Cup on Sunday, November 8, has been announced. The showpiece game between Chattanooga FC vs LAFC 2 will kick off at 6PM ET at Finley Stadium.
Chattanooga FC vs LAFC 2
REF: Rodrigo Albuquerque
AR1: Joe Suchoski
AR2: Ricardo Ocampo
4TH: Danielle Chesky
RAR: Alicia Messer
Meet the crew:
Rodrigo Albuquerque
Made his MLS debut as a referee in Matchday 14 back in May and has also officiated in NWSL, USL Championship, USL League One, and MLS NEXT Pro this season. This will be his first showpiece final.
Joe Suchoski
Two-time assistant referee for the USL League One Final in 2022 and 2023; this will be his third showpiece final. Has worked 21 games across NWSL, Gainbridge Super League, USL Championship, USL League One and MLS NEXT Pro this season.
Ricardo Ocampo
Has predominantly worked in NWSL and USL Championship this season, while also officiating in Gainbridge Super League, USL League One and MLS NEXT Pro. Like Albuquerque, this will be his first showpiece final.
Danielle Chesky
Refereed the 2017 NWSL Championship, 2024 NWSL Challenge Cup, and 2024/25 USL Super League final, and served as fourth official for the 2022 NWSL Championship. In addition to taking to the field in NWSL, Gainbridge Super League, USL League One, and MLS NEXT Pro, has worked more than 20 games as a VAR in MLS and NWSL this year.
Alicia Messer
This will be her fourth showpiece final, having twice worked as an assistant referee in the NWSL Championship – in 2016 and in 2022 with Chesky. Was the reserve assistant referee for the same final in 2018 and has spent the majority of her season on the touchline in NWSL, with a further four games as AVAR.
PRO wishes all the officials a successful and enjoyable final. This important assignment recognizes their excellent work throughout the season.