Monday’s Copa America contest between the U.S. men’s national team and Uruguay descended into madness in the first half. At the center of the chaos was the matchup’s supposed legislator, referee Kevin Ortega.
Ortega made a serious of contentious calls, including a moment which saw the Uruguayans somehow receive an advantage when Ortega stopped play to brandish a yellow card.
It was a calamitous showcase for the 32-year-old official, who immediately got his name up in lights for all the wrong reasons at Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium. Suffice to say, the soccer world took notice, particularly those in the U.S. unfamiliar with the stylings of CONMEBOL, South America’s governing soccer body.
In a match filled with footballing behemoths, it was Ortega who took control. Given the implications of Monday’s duel, which decided the group stage fate of the USMNT, that wasn’t a good thing. The U.S. lost 1-0, spelling an end to its hopes for a deep Copa America run.
Here’s what you need to know about Ortega, a wanted man among U.S. men’s soccer team lovers following his eye-catching display.
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Compilation of some of the most controversial refereeing moments from USA’s match vs Uruguay ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/XHwv9B5YfL
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Who is Kevin Ortega?
Ortega, a 32-year-old referee, made his top-flight debut back in 2015. He’s been a fixture in domestic club competitions,…
