MLS · 1,256 games logged

MLS Referees: what really happens in their games

Across 1,256 logged MLS games, the biggest scoring gap between referees is real: games with Lukasz Szpala average 3.6 goals, games with Ismir Pekmic just 2.6 — against a league average of 3.1. Every referee below links to their full record.

"Small sample" means we don't have enough of that referee's games yet to publish a full page — the row still shows what we do have. Averages update as new games are logged. Last build: 2026-08-30 01:30 UTC.

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Common questions

Do MLS referees really affect the score?

The numbers on this page are real averages from logged games, shown next to the league average so you can see the gap. Some of the gap is the referee, some is the games they happen to get. Treat it as one more thing to check — not a system on its own.

Where does this data come from?

Official game records: final scores, results and venues for every logged game each referee worked. We only publish a full page for referees with enough games to be meaningful.

How do bettors use referee stats?

Mostly for totals. If a referee's games run clearly above or below the league average, that's worth knowing before you take an over or under. Check the number, then check the price.