MLS week 9: A closer look at the assigned PRO officials
Image: Fotis Bazakos ahead of a recent MLS fixture – he referees Montreal Impact v Colorado Rapids in week 9
Sorin Stoica returns to MLS this week after recovering from injury, taking charge of New York City versus Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday night.
Stoica’s setback began back in January, and he cannot wait to get back on the field this weekend.
Read more: Police officer to MLS referee – Sorin Stoica’s story
An action-packed week 9 of MLS began on Wednesday night, with a trio of games, and the action continues on Friday when New York Red Bulls host FC Dallas in a 7pm ET kick-off.
Seven more games follow on Saturday, including the aforementioned match at Yankee Stadium.
Read more: MLS Week 9 assignments
One of those comes in Montreal, where the Impact take on Colorado Rapids, with Mathieu Bourdeau on fourth duties supporting Fotis Bazakos.
The Canadian was handed his second assignment in the MLS middle in week 7, and the official is keen to keep working hard and earn more assignments at the top level.
Read more: Mathieu Bourdeau eager to earn more opportunities with PRO
There’s also a return to the center this week for Nima Saghafi, who debuted in a memorable week 3 encounter between Philadelphia Union and New England Revolution.
Read more: Nima Saghafi’s memorable MLS debut
This time the 26-year-old official has the whistle for Houston Dynamo’s visit to Real Salt Lake, and the Dynamo were the subject of the latest Play of the Week from PRO’s Paul Rejer.
Read more: PRO Play of the Week 8 – Offside and DOGSO
The weekend action comes to a close on Sunday, when Baldomero Toledo and Chris Penso will referee at the homes of the respective MLS Cup and U.S. Open Cup champions.
Assisted by Adam Garner, Jeremy Hanson and Baboucarr Jallow, Toledo referees Portland Timbers against Toronto FC, before Penso leads Sporting Kansas City and Los Angeles Galaxy out at Children’s Mercy Park.
The NASL, NWSL and USL assignments can be viewed at the following links:
NWSL Week 3 assignments
NASL Week 5 assignments
USL Week 6 assignments