MLS reserve matches - officials' training ground?

[Flyer Fan]

Is USSF using the MLS reserve matches as a training ground for new/younger officials? At today's Crew-Real reserve match, I didn't recognize any of the officials from the previous night's Crew match. That's not to say there weren't a couple common officials, but the AR that looks like Steve Martin or Leslie Nielson (take your pick) that did last night's match wasn't there this morning while the center was unfamiliar.

[mutinywxgirl]

Yes, the reserve matches ARE being used to look at upcoming officials for MLS. Many times, the 4th official from the main game is the center official for the Reserve game. Other than the 4th, the crew that did the main game will NOT do the reserves match as well.....and if they do, it's that something happened.

[RushOnze]

Is USSF using the MLS reserve matches as a training ground for new/younger officials? At today's Crew-Real reserve match, I didn't recognize any of the officials from the previous night's Crew match. That's not to say there weren't a couple common officials, but the AR that looks like Steve Martin or Leslie Nielson (take your pick) that did last night's match wasn't there this morning while the center was unfamiliar.

You are refering to the famous and popular Chip Reed, AR from New York with many years of experience.

[ur_land]

The ARs and the 4th at the recent Chivas/Rapids reserve game were all very young (and very good) nationals. Not that that stopped complaints from coaches and players, but nothing will. And their assessor was very obvious in the tiny crowd.