Why are the MLS officials even worse than last season?

Yes, thanks Lisa, we really need for more specifics on how they are messing up calls. Frankly between outdoor season and family, dating, I have only seen a handful of MLS matches. I will watch the replay of the Metros match tonight and report back since many commented the officials lost control of the match.

Again as in the other threads, you can't serve two masters.

 

I can't say they're getting worse, but they aren't improving.

After watching the San Jose game (Fire vs. Earthquake) last saturday, I saw 3 major, game changing choices made by the referee crew.

1) A ball called over the touchline for a goalkick, that was crossed the middle and finished. Goal called back.

After reviewing the play on my Tivo several times, it didn't look fully over the line (not even close actually), but angles can by funny and the camera wasn't on the corner flag. I didn't complain about this one during the game (though I was disappointed).

2) Attacker cuts into the top of the penality box, defender cuts in and turns his back slightly, bumping the attacker with his but/hip/leg (nearly causing the attacker to trip) just after the attacker cut hte ball to his right theoretically keeping control of the ball, and fully removing the attacker from the play.

The referee made no call though I have heard some people call it obstruction. Again, after much tivo review, this is clearly a direct free kick (PK).

3) A behind the play AR missed an offside call that cost a goal. The player was clearly at least a few feet offside (if not a good 5-6 feet) when the ball was passed.

Number 3 put the nail in the Earthquake's coffin.

The Refereeing seemed to be inconsistent, at best, all day.

I do have a question... are MLS ARs told never to call anything but out of play and offside? I can't remember an AR making a call, outside of that, all year.

- Peter