The women are making history as referees

American referee Tori Penso blew the whistle in the match between the Czech Republic and South Africa last week.

Bailey Johnson

They say well-behaved women seldom make history, but in South Africa's game against the Czeck Republic last Thursday the three American women making history at the men’s World Cup were in charge of the men’s behavior.

Referees Tori Penso, Brooke Mayo and Kathryn Nesbitt officiated the group-stage match between Czech Republic and South Africa as the first all-American, all-women officiating crew at the World Cup.

“Female officials are capable, whether that be physically or mentally or technically,” Penso told the Treasure Coast Newspapers last June. “I’m proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish so far. There’s still so much for us to do.”