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Former PA West Referee Kathryn Nesbitt Voted 2024 US Soccer Female Referee of the Year

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Experienced Officials Claim Federation’s Inaugural Awards Recognizing U.S. Soccer’s Top Referees 

CHICAGO (Jan. 9, 2025) – U.S. Soccer Referees Kathryn Nesbitt and Guido Gonzales Jr. have been voted the 2024 U.S. Soccer Female and Male Referees of the Year after outstanding campaigns officiating at the highest levels of American soccer. The inaugural awards were launched in 2024 as part of U.S. Soccer’s continued mission to foster the best playing environments and grow the number of referees nationally.

“As we continue to emphasize the importance of refereeing to our game, U.S. Soccer is proud to recognize the significant contributions of Kathryn and Guido, who represent the best of officiating in American Soccer,” said JT Batson, U.S. Soccer CEO.

“Growing referee participation across the country is a key goal for the Federation, and these awards recognize referees’ service to the game and give aspiring officials even more to strive for as they continue their referee careers,” said Cindy Parlow-Cone, U.S. Soccer President.

The first person to work both a Men’s World Cup Final (Qatar 2022) and Women’s World Cup Final (Australia/New Zealand 2023), Nesbitt has been a member of the FIFA Panel since 2016 and was an AR in 18 MLS matches, including three MLS Cup Playoffs matches in 2024. Nesbitt’s other high profile assignments during 2024 include officiating a quarterfinal match at the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament, Second Round Concacaf World Cup Qualifiers, Copa América Group Stage matches, 2024-25 Concacaf Nations League Group Stage and Play-In matches, the 2023 Concacaf Nations League Third-Place Match, Concacaf W Gold Cup Quarterfinal and Semifinal, Concacaf Champions Cup First Round and Quarterfinal and Concacaf Central American Cup Semifinal.

“I am humbled to be the first U.S. Soccer Female Referee of the Year,” Nesbitt said. “It’s such an incredible feeling to have years of hard work acknowledged and respected by my peers and the broader U.S. Soccer community. Thank you to everyone for the support and recognition.”

An MLS Referee since 2018, Gonzales officiated 24 matches in 2024, including the MLS Cup Final between the LA Galaxy and New York Red Bulls, as well as the MLS All-Star Game in which the league selection took on the top players from Liga MX. Gonzales has served as the Referee in over 100 MLS matches and is now eligible for international assignments after being appointed to the FIFA Panel for 2025.

“I am extremely honored to receive the U.S. Soccer Male Referee of the Year award,” Gonzales said. “This recognition reflects the years of dedication, preparation and passion for the game we all share as referees. I am grateful for my family, mentors and fellow referees that have and continue to share this journey with me. Thank you for this incredible honor — it’s a privilege to serve the beautiful game.”

The awards were determined via weighted vote from PRO Referees, National Referee Coaches, U.S. Soccer Board of Directors and U.S. Soccer Referee Committee members (45 percent); National Professional and International Referees (25 percent); State Referee Committee members (15 percent); and U.S. Women’s and Men’s National Team players that earned a cap in 2024 (15 percent).

For Female Referee of the Year, Nesbitt emerged from a list of nominees that included fellow FIFA Assistant Referee Brooke Mayo, as well as FIFA Referees Alyssa Nichols, Tori Penso and Natalie Simon, winning 26 percent of the weighted vote. For the Male Referee of the Year Award, Gonzales won 29 percent of the weighted vote among a list of nominees that included FIFA Assistant Referees Kyle Atkins and Corey Parker, PRO Referee Ismir Pekmic and FIFA Referee Armando Villarreal.

About the U.S. Soccer Federation

Founded in 1913, U.S. Soccer has been the official governing body of the sport in the United States for more than 100 years. As U.S. Soccer looks toward the future amid an unprecedented moment of opportunity, it has aligned its efforts around five strategic pillars: Grow the game by increasing youth and adult participation and accessibility to the sport; Foster best playing environments through quality of referees and coaches, and commitment to participant safety; Develop winning teams through solidified pathways and success of professional leagues; Grow the soccer economy to fuel reinvestment by increasing membership, fandom and commercial success; and Create a world-class organization through revitalized structure and culture, best-in-class talent, progress in DEIB, and more. For more information, visit ussoccer.com/ourvision.

– ussoccer.com –

U.S. Men’s National Team To Complete Two-Match Florida Swing Against Costa Rica on January 22 in Orlando

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USMNT Kicks off 2025 Campaign on Jan. 18 against Venezuela in Ft. Lauderdale; Annual January Camp Provides Important Showcase for Players Ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup

CHICAGO (Dec. 10, 2024) – The U.S. Men’s National Team will complete a two-match Florida swing with a friendly against Costa Rica on Jan. 22 at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando, Fla. Kickoff from the home of Orlando City and NWSL champion Orlando Pride is 7 p.m. ET.

The team will open its 2025 schedule against 2024 Copa America quarterfinalists Venezuela on Jan. 18 at Chase Stadium in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Kickoff for the USA’s first match of the year is set for 3 p.m. ET.

Both matches will be broadcast live on TNT, Telemundo, Universo, Max and Peacock. Live Spanish-language audio for the match will be available on Fútbol de Primera radio.

Fans will be able to follow the match via Twitter @USMNT, Instagram @USMNT, Facebook and The Official U.S. Soccer App.

With the match date falling outside a FIFA international window, the training camp and matches against Venezuela and Costa Rica provide a huge opportunity for the next generation to make a statement to USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino as he continues to evaluate the player pool ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

This is an important year for the program which includes the Concacaf Nations League Finals and the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup, the last opportunities for players to showcase their abilities in official competitions before the World Cup.

“For a long time the January Camp has been an important part of the development of the National Team. It’s a unique opportunity to work with our MLS players closely and then finish with a good challenge against Costa Rica,” USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino said. “Orlando has always been an amazing host for U.S. Soccer and we are excited for another chance to play in front of their fans.”

Ticket Information

Presales for the USMNT vs. Costa Rica will begin on Tuesday, December 10, and conclude on Friday, December 13 at 8 a.m. local venue time.

Coaches Circle and Presidents Circle members supporting the U.S. Soccer Development Fund can receive individual customer support and concierge services for their ticketing needs. Click here or contact circles@ussoccer.org for more information.

Exclusive Presales For U.S. Soccer Insiders

For the opportunity to buy tickets before the general public, fans should consider becoming U.S. Soccer Insiders. Membership is free for Standard Insiders. Learn more.

Presale Schedule For USA-Costa Rica

SALES SCHEDULEPRESALE DATE & START TIME
Circle Insiders Presale (Circle Insiders)Tuesday, Dec. 10 | 1 P.M. Local Venue Time
VIP Insiders Presale (VIP Insiders)Tuesday, Dec. 10 | 4 P.M. Local Venue Time
Premium Insiders Presale (Premium & Premium Family Insiders)Wednesday, Dec. 11 | 10 A.M. Local Venue Time
Standard Insiders Presale (Standard InsidersThursday, Dec. 12 | 10 A.M. Local Venue Time
Visa Presale (Visa Cardholders Only)Thursday, Dec. 12 | 4 P.M. Local Venue Time
Public SaleFriday, Dec. 13 | 10 A.M. Local Venue Time

Visa Presale

As the official payment technology sponsor of U.S. Soccer, Visa is offering cardholders an opportunity to purchase tickets in advance of the public on-sale date. Visa cardholders can purchase tickets from Thursday, December 12 at 4 p.m. local venue time to Friday, December 13 at 8 a.m. local venue time through ussoccer.com. As the preferred card of U.S. Soccer, Visa will be the only payment method accepted during the Visa presale. Terms and conditions apply.

Turning January Camp Into World Cup Opportunities

The annual January Camp has a long history of providing chances for MLS-based players to get an extended look from the coaching staff and make an impact. There are numerous examples of players who got a first look with the USMNT during a January Camp and went on to make a World Cup roster.

From the USA’s squad at Qatar 2022, nine players earned their first or second cap during a January camp match, including captain Tyler Adams, forward Brenden Aaronson, defenders Walker Zimmerman and Tim Ream and starting goalkeeper Matt Turner. The list of alumni also includes five members of the 100-cap club: Jozy Altidore, DaMarcus Beasley, Carlos Bocanegra, Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan.

Tough Going Against The Ticos

Costa Rica has proven throughout the decades to be a most formidable opponent. In the nearly 50 years since the first encounter, the overall record is a near even at 19W-17L-6D with the slight edge going to the USMNT. All 19 of the USA’s victories have come at home, most recently the 2-1 win in World Cup Qualifying on Oct. 13, 2021, in front of a sold-out crowd in Columbus, Ohio punctuated by the wonder strike from Sergiño Dest.

In addition, the USMNT faced Costa Rica in one of its most memorable home matches ever: the Snow Clasico in Commerce City, Colo. on March 22, 2013. Playing during a snowstorm in the Rocky Mountains, Clint Dempsey scored the USA’s lone goal for a 1-0 win.

Opponents Beware Of The Lions Den

The home of Orlando City and the Orlando Pride has been quite inhospitable to guests of the USMNT as not a single opponent has left with a winning result. The perfect 6-0-0 record for the United States includes matches in World Cup Qualifiers and the Concacaf Nations League. Four of the six U.S. victories have come by shutout with the Americans pouring in 22 goals overall while surrendering just two.

The USA’s last January camp appearance in Orlando came Jan. 31, 2021. In the 7-0 route of Trinidad & Tobago, future World Cup ‘keeper Matt Turner earned a shutout in his international debut and three different U.S. attackers – Paul Arriola, Jesús Ferreira and Jonathan Lewis – scored multiple goals, a feat that had last been accomplished in 1993.

Pochettino’s First USMNT Match Set For November

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CHICAGO (Sept. 23, 2024) – U.S. Soccer has selected St. Louis, Mo. to host the U.S. Men’s National Team’s 2024-25 Concacaf Nations League Quarterfinal home leg on Nov. 18. New USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino will coach his first home match in official competition at CITYPark.

Kickoff at CITYPARK is set for 8 p.m. ET and the match will be broadcast on TNT, truTV, Universo, Max and Peacock, as well as FDP Radio.

The critical match marks the USA’s first step toward its fourth-straight Concacaf Nations League title as the USMNT has won every edition of the competition since it launched in 2019.

It will be the USA’s third trip to the home of St. Louis CITY SC following two dominant shutout victories in its first two visits. Historically, the U.S. has a sterling 8W-1L-3D record in St. Louis, a city which has also served as a hotbed for sending talent to the USMNT.

The USA’s opponent will be determined following the October international window. The top four teams in the Concacaf Ranking Index enter the Nations League at the two-legged home-and-away quarterfinal stage, while 12 other countries will compete for the remaining four berths in the group stage played during the September and October international windows.

“This competition is an important part of our preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup,“ Pochettino said. “As the holders, we want to defend this title and build this winning mentality.”

“I am aware of the big soccer history of St. Louis and its impact on the National Team, so the new members of the staff are looking forward to visiting the city for ourselves and experiencing the atmosphere at the stadium.”
The USMNT has won the first three editions of the Concacaf Nations League, starting with the thrilling instant classic triumph against Mexico, 3-2 in overtime, to win the inaugural tournament in 2021. Two years later, the U.S. dominated Canada 2-0 to claim its second title. Last March, the USA rallied for an extra-time 3-1 defeat of Jamaica in the Nations League semifinals before adding another chapter to its history of Dos a Cero victories vs. Mexico for its third-straight title in Arlington, Texas.

Pochettino previously managed Espanyol, Southampton, Tottenham Hotspurs, Paris Saint Germain, and Chelsea before accepting the Head Coach position with the United States Men’s National Team on September 10, 2024.

TICKET INFORMATION

Presales for the Concacaf Nation’s Leaguematch in St. Louis, MO, will begin on Monday, September 23 at 9 am, and conclude on Friday, September 27 at 8 am local venue time.

Coaches Circle and Presidents Circle members supporting the U.S. Soccer Development Fund can receive individual customer support and concierge services for their ticketing needs. Click here or contact circles@ussoccer.org for more information.

For the opportunity to buy tickets before the general public, fans should consider becoming U.S. Soccer Insiders. Membership is free for Standard Insiders. Learn more.

Sales Schedule

Sales SchedulePresale Date & Start Time
Circle Insiders Presale (Circle Insiders)Monday, September 23 | 9 a.m. local venue time
VIP Insiders Presale (VIP Insiders)Tuesday, September 24 | 9 a.m. local venue time
Premium Insiders Presale (Premium & Premium Family Insiders)Wednesday, September 25 | 9 a.m. local venue time
Standard Insiders Presale (Standard Insiders)Thursday, September 26 | 9 a.m. local venue time
Visa Presale (Visa cardholders only)Thursday, September 26 | 1 p.m. local venue time
Public SaleFriday, September 27 | 9 a.m. local venue time


VISA PRESALE

As the official payment technology sponsor of U.S. Soccer, Visa is offering cardholders an opportunity to purchase tickets in advance of the public on-sale date. Visa cardholders can purchase tickets from Thursday, September 26 at 1 p.m. local venue time to Friday, August 9 at 8 a.m. local venue time through ussoccer.com. As the preferred card of U.S. Soccer, Visa will be the only payment method accepted during the Visa presale. Terms and conditions apply.

MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS

One of the most important cities in American soccer history, the USMNT has recorded a dominant 8W-1L-3D record in St. Louis and has not lost a game in the city since 1957.

With the addition of St. Louis CITY SC as Major League Soccer’s 29th club and the opening of CITYPARK in 2023, the USMNT has played twice in the gleaming new home of soccer in the Gateway to the West. Its first visit came in the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup group stage vs. Saint Kitts and Nevis, a dominant 6-0 victory that saw Jesús Ferreira net his second career hat trick. The U.S. returned a few months later for a 3-0 friendly victory against Uzbekistan with goals from Tim Weah, Ricardo Pepi and Christian Pulisic.

St. Louis also served the main home venue for the USMNT’s successful qualification run for the 1990 FIFA World Cup, hosting three of the team’s five matches (all wins) at St. Louis Soccer Park.

The Gateway City is also a historic hotbed for USMNT talent. Dating back to 1916, 77 players from the St. Louis area have made at least one National Team appearance, which counts as the third-most in local representation to the USMNT after Southern California and the New York/New Jersey metro areas.

ABOUT THE CONCACAF NATIONS LEAGUE

Created to maximize the quality, quantity and frequency of competitive matches for all of Concacaf’s 41 Member Associations, the 2024-25 Concacaf Nations League, which kicked off during the recently completed September international window, is the second edition with a revamped format to include more direct elimination matches.

The 2024-25 CNL will again be played in a three-League format (A, B and C), with the region’s 41 men’s senior national teams distributed into the Leagues according to the results of the 2023-24 CNL.

The USA will compete in the 16-team League A. The top four teams in the Concacaf Ranking Index (Mexico, United States, Panama and Canada) received a bye to the quarterfinals, while the next 12 ranked teams are competing in the group stage during the September and October international windows. Drawn into two groups of six, the top two teams in each group will advance to the knockout stage.

The quarterfinal round will be played in a home-and-away format during the November international window, with the aggregate score winners in each quarterfinal advancing to the 2025 CNL Finals next March.

The pairings for the quarterfinals will be determined based on the Concacaf Rankings Index following the October window and 2024-25 CNL Group Stage results.

MAURICIO POCHETTINO NAMED HEAD COACH OF U.S. MEN’S NATIONAL TEAM

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Former Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea Manager Brings Wealth of Experience to U.S. Soccer

CHICAGO (Sept. 10, 2024) – The U.S. Soccer Federation has appointed Mauricio Pochettino as the new head coach of the U.S. Men’s National Team.

Pochettino, 52, a seasoned and highly respected manager, has had successful stints with several top European clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea. Known for building teams with dynamic styles of play, he will now take the helm of the USMNT, bringing his extensive experience and tactical acumen to lead the team into the FIFA World Cup 2026 on home soil.

U.S. Soccer Sporting Director Matt Crocker led a global search process and made the final decision to appoint Pochettino as head coach.    “Mauricio is a serial winner with a deep passion for player development and a proven ability to build cohesive and competitive teams,” said Crocker. “His track record speaks for itself, and I am confident that he is the right choice to harness the immense potential within our talented squad. We are thrilled to have Mauricio on board as we embark on this exciting journey to achieve success on the global stage.”

“The decision to join U.S. Soccer wasn’t just about football for me; it’s about the journey that this team and this country are on,” Pochettino said. “The energy, the passion, and the hunger to achieve something truly historic here — those are the things that inspired me. The opportunity to lead the U.S. Men’s National Team, in front of fans who are just as passionate as the players, is something I couldn’t pass up. I see a group of players full of talent and potential, and together, we’re going to build something special that the whole nation can be proud of.”  

“Mauricio is a world-class coach with a proven track record of developing players and achieving success at the highest levels,” said U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone. “His passion for the game, his innovative approach to coaching, and his ability to inspire and connect with players make him the perfect fit for this role. We are excited to have him leading our Men’s National Team.”

“Hiring Mauricio is a step forward in our mission to compete at the highest level and make a lasting mark on the global soccer landscape,” said U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson. “His deep knowledge of the game, his commitment to developing talent, and his relentless drive for excellence are exactly what we need as we prepare for the 2026 World Cup. Mauricio understands the unique potential of this team and this country, and he shares our belief that U.S. Soccer is on the cusp of something truly special.

“This announcement is part of a historic era for U.S. Soccer, coming on the heels of our Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center groundbreaking, launching the Soccer Forward Foundation, hiring Emma Hayes to lead our Women’s National Team, and winning Olympic gold,” Batson continued. “We are building a program that not only wins on the global stage but inspires the next generation of American soccer players and fans, and we’re thrilled to have Mauricio play a key role in that journey.”   

As part of the transition process, Crocker appointed Mikey Varas to serve as interim head coach for the matches against Canada last Saturday and New Zealand tonight. Varas, a USMNT opponent scout during the 2022 FIFA World Cup and assistant since 2023, was originally hired as the U-20 MNT head coach in November 2021 and coached the U-20 MNT to the top of their group at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Argentina.   

Pochettino brings a wealth of experience from his time in Europe. He began his managerial career with Espanyol in La Liga before moving to the Premier League, where he made a significant impact with Southampton and later Tottenham Hotspur. At Spurs, he guided the team to their first UEFA Champions League Final in 2019 and consistently achieved top-four finishes in the Premier League.    

After his successful tenure in England, Pochettino took the reins at Paris Saint-Germain, where he won the Ligue 1 title, the Coupe de France and the Trophée des Champions, while also leading the team to the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League.     

In addition to his on-field achievements, Pochettino is known for the ability to manage and motivate high-profile players and his dedication to developing young talent. Many players who have worked under him have praised his ability to nurture their growth and maximize their potential. This focus on youth development aligns well with U.S. Soccer’s long-term strategy to build a strong pipeline of talent for the national team.   

Pochettino’s appointment is supported in significant part by a philanthropic leadership gift from Kenneth C. Griffin, Founder and CEO of Citadel and Founder of Griffin Catalyst. Additional support has been provided by Scott Goodwin, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Diameter, and several commercial partners.   

Born in Murphy, Argentina, Pochettino had a distinguished playing career as a central defender, earning 20 caps for the Argentina National Team. He played for clubs such as Newell’s Old Boys, Espanyol, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bordeaux.     

Pochettino holds a UEFA Pro License and is fluent in Spanish, French, and English. He will work closely with U.S. Soccer staff to ensure a smooth transition and to lay the groundwork for success in the upcoming competitions.  

— ussoccer.com —