Chris Penso is a current Major League Soccer referee and FIFA Video Match Official. 

Having joined MLS in 2009, Chris has over 200 games of regular season experience and has been a part of the MLS All-Star Game (2016) and 2015, 2018, and 2021 MLS Cups. In his role as a FIFA Video Match Official, Chris has represented the United States at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, working both the Men’s and Women’s Gold Medal matches.

He also currently serves as the Coordinator of Officials for Men’s and Women’s Soccer in the American Athletic Conference, as well as a Board Member of the Professional Soccer Referees Association.

He resides in St. Petersburg, FL with his wife and fellow MLS referee, Tori Penso, and their three daughters, Piper, Jovie, and Brinley. Tori was selected to referee the 2023 Women’s World Cup.