I would really describe Barton as “wouldn’t get in the way of the spectacle.” That’s where he really bucks the trend of modern refereeing; at times he makes the refereeing a spectacle itself, not staying in the background. But he’s able to contribute (usually) positively to the match and to the sport in this way, for example with a strict disciplinary line that demands a high standard of behavior from the players.
Lost track of this but semifinal assignments were Cornejo, Calderon, Escobar and Herrera. That does leave the likelihood that Barton or Martinez were tipped for the final. But now that it's an all-Mexican affair, it does open the door to Elfath or a different PRO official if these things are dynamic at all.
Champions Cup Final Toluca : Tigres - ELFATH (USA) We're in the bizarre CONCACAF world where this makes so much sense that I just never even considered it would happen. Elfath hadn't worked since the Round of 32. Assignments spread around. No Barton or Martinez in the semis. I just sort of assumed it would have been one of them and CONCACAF didn't plan for an MLS or Liga Mx to have the final even if they became eligible. Plus, Americans just don't historically get this match. It's only been a one-off recently, so fine. But even before then... Marrufo and Geiger had one leg each in the late 2010s. Before that... Brian Hall in the mid 2000s. In between, like 15 Mexicans have had the game. The region's top referee doing CONCACAF's top club match heading into a home World Cup is too obvious to have been true, but here we are. Hopefully it's a smooth launch into the World Cup.
This is such a great assignment because it really does set him up well. The number 1 concern w Elfath from FIFAs perspective has to be his recent form/health/consistency. If he rocks this game, then that can be put to rest. Some might argue that a game like this so close to the tournament is too dangerous... that might be true in some situations, but in this situation the benefits outweigh the risk. If he has a rough game, the concerns are validated. If he crushes this game, then the the concerns are gone, and he has to come into the tournament kind of continuing his reputation from four years ago.
Always happy to see Elfath doing well. It's clear he's the top ref in the confederation and I feel like he's the only MLS ref that the idiot fans aren't always whining and complaining about, even when he makes a huge mistake like the DOGSO in the MLS Cup that his AR helped him on.
Tuned into CCL final. About 13 mins in and already English announcers commenting on 7 fouls. The match has been cagey and lots of crowding already. Side note* may switch over to Spanish.
I haven't been watching this game very closely because it has been terribly boring, but 110' seems like a clear missed second yellow. Now possible penalty a minute later, anywhere but Concacaf that'd be a yellow card for reckless elbow to the face, but not enough for a penalty in Concacaf... he's been lenient today so I get it. But it does feel quintessentially 'Ramosian' which isn't really usual for Elfath. The whole first 20 minutes is worth a rewatch as well.
I will also say, Elfath's management skills have allowed him to referee in this manner without the game blowing up, so that must be commended. I just find the leniency fairly jarring, but maybe that's what FIFA will be looking for in a few weeks so, for choosing to referee the game in this manner, he's done well.
Now the last MLS match before the break makes sense for Elfath. He was on FCD v. Colorado at altitude and he's at altitude here in Toluca
https://www.reuters.com/sports/socc...c-chant-overturns-stadium-closure-2026-06-02/ CAS reduces the FMF chant sanction. The annulled closure was a 15% reduction in capacity.
So the Colorado Rapids hosted a friendly/scrimmage with FC Juarez tonight as both teams warm up for their season/season resumption. And, well, this happened: Prior to the free kick after this, another scuffle broke out, Rafael Navarro was issued a red card and the referee seemed to have CALLED THE GAME OFF with 15+ minutes left.Coaching staffs and referee crew discussing something between the technical areas. https://t.co/V23nXveFQa— Braidon Nourse (@BraidonNourse) July 10, 2026 Cooler heads have prevailed here at DSGP. Tensions flared to the point Rafael Navarro was sent off and the referee motioned to abandon the game. After discussion, we will play on. 15 minutes to go, give or take. This is an interesting one. Nothing friendly about it— Braidon Nourse (@BraidonNourse) July 10, 2026 The good news is that Rapidman made a call and Navarro will not be suspended for next week's friendly against Minnesota