Sep 16, 2023; San Jose, California, USA; Head referee Natalie Simon (center) carries the game ball to the pitch with assistant referee Logan Brown (left) and 4th official Tim Ford (right) before the game between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park. Simon became the first African American woman to be assigned as a center referee for an MLS game.; Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita