An MLS-based officiating crew presided over a bit of history halfway around the world over the weekend, as PRO referees Chris Penso, Eric Boria and Mark Cahen handled the inaugural match of the Hero Indian Super League between Atletico de Kolkata and Mumbai City in front of some 70,000 fans at the enormous Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on Sunday.
In addition to their work in the high-profile debut of the world's newest soccer league, which features several global superstars like Alessandro Del Piero, David Trezeguet and former Seattle Sounders and Chicago Fire Designated Player Fredrik Ljungberg, the trio also assisted with a two-day FIFA refereeing seminar to help develop the skill sets of local refs in Mumbai (pictured at right).
The new league is intended to help the beautiful game grow and develop in India, a traditional cricket hotbed where soccer has massive growth potential.
Penso penned a blog post about their experience on PRO's website, and the organization's Instagram account features several images from the trio's overseas adventure.
“Following a walkout that would give anyone chills, the match started at a frantic pace with three fouls in the first 80 seconds and the first caution of the match coming in the second minute,” writes Penso. “The match had a storybook feel to it with three stunning goals for the home team, the third of which came in the last seconds of the match, which fans left happy and excited for the season ahead.
“It was a historic moment for the Hero Indian Super League and we were honored to be a part of it.”
Penso, Boria and Cahen will be on duty again on Wednesday as they oversee another Super League match, this time between FC Goa and Chennaiyin FC.
