Woo and Bennett Selected For Women’s World Cup

September 3, 2003 - Select referees will receive many honors throughout their careers, some referees will be asked to work playoff matches in their local league, some at tournaments, some referees will be called upon to step up to state, regional, and national competitions. Very few, however, are called upon to work at the highest levels and fewer still are called upon to work at the ultimate event, the FIFA World Cup. Massachusetts has the distinction of having sent two of its referees to World Cup competitions over the years. David Socha of Ludlow went to the 1986 World Cup in Spain and Vinnie Mauro of Arlington was sent to Italy in 1990. When the Women’s World Cup kicks off on September 20th here in the USA, Massachusetts and the United States will again be well represented by its referees at a world soccer event.

Rachel Woo of Auburndale and Jennifer Bennett of Boxford were selected by FIFA recently to attend the tournament as Fourth Officials. This high honor comes to two referees who have had rather distinguished careers as Massachusetts referees. Each have had their accomplishments recognized with appointments to the State Cup, Region I Tournament, and for Woo an appointment to the National Youth Finals. Beyond the youth leagues Woo and Bennett have honed their skills by working in our state’s most competitive adult leagues. Ultimately, both were recognized with assignments in professional leagues that led to both being noticed by the USSF and FIFA. Among their accomplishments Rachel,a veteran of multiple College Cups (NCAA Final Four) and Jennifer working the 2003 WUSA Founder's Cup.

Rachel Woo was the first referee of this distinguished pair to be appointed to the FIFA list in the year 2000 with Bennett following in 2003. Both have had the opportunity to show a world audience their abilities by working in various international matches since rising to the level of FIFA referee. As a stepping stone into the 2003 Women’s World Cup, both Bennett and Woo have participated in international events such as the 2002 Women’s Gold Cup for Woo and the 2003 Algarve Cup for Bennett.

Please join us in congratulating Rachel Woo and Jennifer Bennett on their achievement! We wish them well!