Major League Soccer Match Director Program
The Match Director Program supports the MLS Competition Department’s mission to ensure player safety and to protect and preserve the integrity of the League. Match Directors serve as in-stadium match-day representatives of the Department. The Match Director pool includes, but is not limited to, former players, coaches, and referees with experience at the highest levels of the game.
Match Directors report disciplinary incidents and competition-related information from field level to the League Office. Match Directors are positioned on the sidelines, typically at or near the 4th Official’s Table. Match Directors serve as a resource to Club Technical Staff and Match Officials, support the in-stadium Digital Match roster process, and facilitate the Match Coordination Meeting. Match Directors understand the mission and vision of MLS, while agreeing to a high level of professionalism in their representation of the Competition Department and in their match reporting.
2024 End of Year Awards:
Match Director of the Year
Bill currently serves as the Chief Technical Officer for Ohio Soccer Association, the state youth soccer association for US Youth Soccer. Prior to this, Bill served as the Technical Director (2019 - 2021), Director of Coaching (2016 - 2019), and ODP Head Coach (2008 – 2016) for Ohio South Youth Soccer Association. Bill currently hold a US Soccer National A Coaching License, U.S. Soccer Coach Educator License, as well as a NSCAA Advanced National Coaching Diploma. Bill is an active coach educator for all of U.S. Soccer’s Grassroots coaching courses, the U.S. Soccer National C License, as well as their new U.S. Soccer Leadership Course. While the game has left Bill as a player, Bill still finds great satisfaction in coaching today’s youth players where he serves as a Regional Head Coach for the Midwest Olympic Development Program (ODP) working on both the boys and girls coaching staff. In this capacity, Bill has had the chance to work with many players who have extended their playing careers into Major League Soccer (MLS) and the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). When not on the soccer pitch, Bill can be found on the farm spending time with my wife Patty (of 30 years) and my two daughters Emma (27) and Kara (25).
Newcomer of the Year
Omar is an accomplished legal professional with a unique background in both sports and law. Beginning his career as a professional soccer player, he was drafted first overall in the 2011 Major League Soccer Super draft by the Vancouver Whitecaps FC where he spent four years, during which he also had training stints with esteemed clubs Fulham and Everton. Following his time in Vancouver, Omar was transferred to Tigres UANL de Monterrey and spent a season on loan with Jaguares in Colombia, further enhancing his international experience. He spent 4 years in Monterrey and then was transferred to his hometown club, El Paso Locomotive FC, where he spent 2 years. He also represented both the U.S. and Mexico youth national teams at various levels, demonstrating his versatility and talent on the field. After retiring from professional soccer, Omar pursued his passion for law, earning his degree from Boston College Law School and establishing a career in legal practice. He joined Barnes & Thornburg LLP, where he developed expertise in various corporate and real estate areas and cultivated a strong foundation in client relations and strategic legal counsel. In November 2024, Omar transitioned to a new role as legal counsel for adidas, where he will leverage his background in sports to navigate the legal complexities of the industry and contribute to the company’s objectives. His unique perspective as both an athlete and a legal professional positions him to make a significant impact in the sports and legal fields.
Congratulations Bill & Omar!
2024 Match Director Training Conferences
The MLS Competition Department is thankful for a great turnout for our Match Director Training Conferences in Los Angeles, Houston and New York City. Check out some of the pictures of our sessions!