Female officials make MLS history, marking the first time three women on-field referee in the USA’s top-flight during Vancouver Whitecaps’ 0-0 tie with struggling Colorado Rapids
- Tori Penso, Brooke Mayo and Felisha Mariscal were three of the four referees
- Saturday’s contest between the two inconsistent West teams was in Vancouver
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Major League Soccer had a moment of history in Canada Saturday night with a female trio officiating Vancouver vs. Colorado.
Tori Penso refereed the contest, alongside assistant referee Brooke Mayo and fourth official Felisha Mariscal — the first time a trio of female refs have graced the men’s pitch.
Penso awarded a penalty after the Whitecaps’ Javain Brown fouled Rapids attacker Jonathan Lewis in the 78th minute.
The resulting spot kick by Diego Rubio was saved by Vancouver goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka.
Takaoka’s stop extended his scoreless streak to 410 minutes, currently the longest of its kind in the league.
Tori Penso (CR), Brooke Mayo (L) and Felisha Mariscal (CL) were three of the four MLS referees
Referee Tori Penso created history in 2010 — becoming the first female referee in two decades
The game finished in a 0-0 stalemate, much to the dismay of Rapids attacker, Javain Brown
Colorado put the ball in the net off a free kick in the 57th minute, but it was ruled the Rapids’ Lalas Abubakar interfered with Takaoka as he tried to catch the cross.
The game finished in a stalemate, leaving Vancouver in ninth position in the Western Conference standings.
Penso created history in 2020, becoming the first female to referee a MLS fixture in two decades, following Sandy Hunt.
Meanwhile, Colorado continue to languish near the base of the West in 12th, with nine points from 10 games — six off the bottom.
Vancouver next host Minnesota at BC Place Saturday. The Rapids travel to Tinseltown for a game at the Galaxy on the same day.
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