Ben Jones' first MLS center (RSL v. SJ 4/30)

[wjarrettc]

We have so many posts on this board about bad refereeing I just thought it would be a nice change of pace to have one about good game :)

The Real Salt Lake v. San Jose game last night was a riveting, end-to-end, face-paced, one-touch passing, brilliant crossing kind of soccer game. In the center for the game was Ben Jones and it was apparently his first time taking charge of an MLS game. I thought he did a beautiful job.

He let the players play. He didn't call niggly, inconsequential stuff and because he let the game flow, we saw one of the most interesting MLS games of the season to date. I'd be interested to hear what others who saw the game thought of his performance but for me, his style of game control was a breath of fresh air for MLS refereeing. I hope to see many more games with this fellow in the center.

[ManiacalClown]

I was pleased with what I saw of him. Eagerly awaiting his next match.

[mutinywxgirl]

There's another offiicial (name withheld on purpose) who will be making his MLS center debut this month. I'll be interested to hear what is said for him as well.

[dadman]

We have so many posts on this board about bad refereeing I just thought it would be a nice change of pace to have one about good game :)

The Real Salt Lake v. San Jose game last night was a riveting, end-to-end, face-paced, one-touch passing, brilliant crossing kind of soccer game. In the center for the game was Ben Jones and it was apparently his first time taking charge of an MLS game. I thought he did a beautiful job.

He let the players play. He didn't call niggly, inconsequential stuff and because he let the game flow, we saw one of the most interesting MLS games of the season to date. I'd be interested to hear what others who saw the game thought of his performance but for me, his style of game control was a breath of fresh air for MLS refereeing. I hope to see many more games with this fellow in the center.Like ManiacalClown, I think he did a great job in his first run-out. (Ray Hudson thought so, too. ;) ) It cannot be easy dealing with Clint Mathis in his current (continuing?) state of mind.

When the game opened up and blew from end-to-end midway through the second half, Jones showed great fitness. His positioning was very good, and his communication with the ARs was good as well. Thumbs up.

[cbohnert]

Like ManiacalClown, I think he did a great job in his first run-out. (Ray Hudson thought so, too. ;) ) It cannot be easy dealing with Clint Mathis in his current (continuing?) state of mind.

When the game opened up and blew from end-to-end midway through the second half, Jones showed great fitness. His positioning was very good, and his communication with the ARs was good as well. Thumbs up.

Saturday was a day Ben has been looking forward to for a long time. I listened to the MLS commentary, and they were highly complimentary. I'm looking forward to seeing the highlights! Ben's a committed referee who has an unlimited future, one which I'm sure will include a White Badge soon.

[MassachusettsRef]

Ben's a committed referee who has an unlimited future, one which I'm sure will include a White Badge soon.Though a great debut is important, one quality MLS match does not make a FIFA referee. I can think of several younger refs in the past few years who seemed destined for FIFA badges. A couple got them, a few still seem on (a slower) track, but several also flamed out of the league entirely.

Let's hope Jones makes it--we certainly do need a good crop of referees to replace our soon-to-retire older FIFAs. But we shouldn't coronate him after one solid match.