New Jersey native Mark Geiger proving his worth on the world’s biggest stage.
For the first time since 2002, an American was selected to officiate at a World Cup. That American was New Jersey’s own Mark Geiger.
Geiger, a former math instructor at Lacy Township High School, was one of 25 elite referees from around the globe chosen by FIFA to officiate at the World Cup. Through two games, Geiger has shown why he belongs in the category of top officials in the world.
A nationally recognized high school math teacher, Geiger was given Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science in 2009. However, Geiger had to leave his teaching position last year in order to pursue his dream of officiating in the World Cup.
The official has spent 11 season in MLS and also officiated at the 2012 Olympics.
Geiger and his crew were first put to the test in the Group C opener between Colombia and Greece. After earning praise from pundits and FIFA officials, they were rewarded with a game of greater magnitude: a must-win game for Spain, the 2010 World Cup champions, against Chile.
After impressing again in his second game, Geiger is likely to be considered for games in the knockout rounds of this World Cup. There were no controversial calls in either game that Geiger was appointed to and many believe that more solid performances could put Geiger in the running to officiate the World Cup Final on July 13.
