Dallas, TX. - U.S. Soccer’s referee development initiatives continued to deliver strong results this spring, with standout performances across both the 2026 Dallas Cup and the Armed Forces Men’s Soccer Championship. These events provided high-level match environments, targeted coaching, and meaningful development opportunities for officials across multiple pathways.
At the 2026 Dallas Cup, match officials were challenged in a competitive tournament setting while benefiting from consistent coaching support and dedicated time together as a group. The Women’s Initiative and United Officials Group continued to grow in both size and impact, with 12 officials from each initiative selected to participate.
In addition, 15 National Match Officials were invited as part of a new initiative, receiving focused exposure and structured support throughout the week. Across all groups, officials demonstrated clear development over the course of the tournament, reinforcing the strength of U.S. Soccer’s referee development pathway.
U.S. Soccer Refereeing Academy: Promise Adebayo-Ige (TN), Alex Adkins (KY), Tyler Bost (GA), Laith Dahhan (MS), Dorian Del Toro (AL), Viviana Diaz Rodriguez (CA-S), Aaron Fong (OH-N), Amelia Graytock (DC/VA), Miklos Hendricks (OH-N), Eduardo Hernandez (CA-N), Jake Joyce (FL), Deny Kulasinac (GA), Shaye Lane (MA), Ryan Lindskog (TX-S), Jose Lara (AR)
Coaches: Jeffrey Solis (lead), Kara Honthumb, Aaron Hernandez
United Officials Group: Evan Barnett (MI), Sebastian Delgado (TX-S), Vitalii Firmanchuk (OH-N), Pavel Georgiev (CA-S), Lukas Josefecki (CO), Andrew Jung (CA-S), Mario Moreno Jimenez (CA-S), Gunwan Park (GA), Tarver Pyke (AL), Geoffroy Sanga Pema (LA), Jessie Santamaria (CA-S), Max Torres (FL)
Coaches: Abbey Okulaja (lead), Logan Brown, Lukasz Szpala
Women’s Initiative: Sofia Acquistapace (AK), Mandi Avila (UT), April Castellanos (TX-S), Melissa Cerioni (MA), Esmeraldo Duran (CA-S), Estefania Estrada (TX-S), Nora Hancock (FL), Rebekah Hennigh (PA-E), Grace Koch (MA), Nikki Schuppan (IA), Isabelle Trujillo (WA), Ashley Vredenburg (MI)Coaches: Nami Imaizumi (lead), Salma Perez, Anya Voigt
Eight National Match Officials — all active members of the United Officials Group — were selected to officiate the 2026 Armed Forces Men’s Soccer Championship, held at Fort Hood, TX from March 28 to April 3.
Led by National Referee Coach Baboucarr Jallow, the group officiated matches featuring teams from the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Navy (including Coast Guard), and Air Force (including Space Force). The tournament provided a unique and demanding environment, with officials representing U.S. Soccer at a high level while continuing their development within a competitive and high-performance setting.
Referees: Daniel Emeri (GA), Salvador Flores (IN), Kalilou Jarju (WA), Felix Granados (CA-S)
Assistant Referees: Joshua Belk (GA), Leo Mora (IL), Edwin Moturi (TX-S), Logan Reeves (MS)
Referee Coach: Baboucarr Jallow (WA)
These initiatives continue to play a critical role in strengthening the referee pathway in the United States — creating high-quality development environments, expanding access to opportunity, and preparing officials to perform at the next level. The ongoing growth of the Women’s Initiative and United Officials Group, alongside targeted opportunities for National Match Officials, reflects a system that is both inclusive and performance-driven.
For those interested in being part of these programs, we encourage you to learn more and register your interest using the links below: