This season’s MLS Referee of the Year, Jon Freemon of Kansas, whistled 21 games. Southern Californian Felisha Mariscal became the second woman, after Kathryn Nesbitt in 2020, to earn MLS Assistant Referee of the Year honors. Mariscal worked 19 MLS games this season.
• Nominees were selected by Professional Referee Organization (PRO) executives and voted on by MLS club technical staff, media and MLS players.
MLS Referee of the Year Winners
2026: Jon Freemon 2025: Drew Fischer 2024: Drew Fischer 2023: Victor Rivas 2022: Ismail Elfath 2021: Robert Sibiga 2020: Ismail Elfath 2019: Allen Chapman 2018: Alan Kelly 2017: Allen Chapman 2016: Alan Kelly 2015: Alan Kelly 2014: Mark Geiger 2013: Hilario Grajeda 2012: Silviu Petrescu 2011: Mark Geiger 2010: Kevin Stott 2009: Alex Prus 2008: Jair Marrufo 2007: Brian Hall 2006: Brian Hall 2005: Brian Hall 2004: Abiodun Okulaja 2003: Brian Hall 2002: Kevin Terry 2001: Paul Tamberino 2000: Paul Tamberino 1999: Paul Tamberino 1998: Paul Tamberino 1997: Esse Baharmast.
MLS Assistant Referee of the Year Winners
2026: Felisha Mariscal 2025: Cory Richardson 2024: Kyle Atkins 2023: Ian McKay 2022: Corey Rockwell 2021: Cory Richardson 2020: Kathryn Nesbitt 2019: Brian Dunn 2018: Joe Fletcher 2017: Corey Parker 2016: Frank Anderson 2015: Corey Parker 2014: Paul Scott 2013: Kermit Quisenberry 2012: Ian Anderson 2011: Corey Rockwell 2010: Craig Lowry 2009: Greg Barkey 2008: Kermit Quisenberry.
