Major League Soccer announced on Tuesday that Mark Geiger has been voted 2014 Referee of the Year, his second such honor, while Paul Scott was voted 2014 Assistant Referee of the Year.
Geiger had a standout year, participating in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil in addition to his domestic duties. Geiger served as head referee in the Group C opener between Colombia and Greece, as well as a group-stage game featuring Spain and Chile.
The New Jersey native made history as the first American to referee a World Cup knockout match when he was assigned to France vs. Nigeria. Geiger also played several supporting roles in Brazil, as he was the fourth official in the Brazil vs. Germany semifinal game and the group match between Italy and Uruguay, an occasion which featured the now-infamous Luis Suarez biting incident.
These two awards were voted on by media, MLS players and MLS club management. The other two finalists for Referee of the Year were Jair Marrufo and Alan Kelly. The other two finalists for Assistant Referee of the Year were Peter Manikowski and Adam Wienckowski.
Referee of the Year Winners:
2014: Mark Geiger
2013: Hilario Grajeda
2012: Silviu Petrescu
2011: Mark Geiger
2010: Kevin Stott
2009: Alex Prus
2008: Jair Marrufo
2007: Brian Hall
2006: Brian Hall
2005: Brian Hall
2004: Abiodun ‘Abbey’ Okulaja
2003: Brian Hall
2002: Kevin Terry
2001: Paul Tamberino
2000: Paul Tamberino
1999: Paul Tamberino
1998: Paul Tamberino
1997: Esse Baharmast
Assistant Referee of the Year Winners:
2014: Paul Scott
2013: Kermit Quisenberry
2012: Ian Anderson
2011: Corey Rockwell
2010: Craig Lowry
2009: Greg Barkey
2008: Kermit Quisenberry
