Peter Manikowski ready for 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup

July 3, 2015

Peter Manikowski is gearing up to officiate at the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup, and we caught up with the assistant referee during his preparations.

The tournament, which is being held from July 7 to 26, will be Manikowski’s first Gold Cup and the 32-year-old is one of eight PRO officials selected for action.

News: Eight PRO officials assigned to the Gold Cup

What are your feelings with regards to the Gold Cup assignment, taking into consideration this is your first? 

PM: Having never officiated at this tournament before I know I will need to prepare even more and rely on my vastly experienced colleagues and mentors for advice.

From a personal point of view is this assignment a culmination of a lot of hard work? 

PM: Hard work never culminates. Officiating at the professional and international levels is difficult nomatter when or where you work so hard work is always needed. For me the Gold Cup means I need to work harder still.

What does it mean to you to represent your country?

PM: I take great pride in representing the USA on the FIFA Panel during every opportunity I have.

Does it mean more with the Gold Cup being hosted in North America? 

PM: No. No matter where the Gold Cup is played I am very excited to participate.

Does it give you great pleasure to be working at the prestigious event alongside so many of your colleagues from PRO? 

PM: Certainly.

How have you prepared for the Gold Cup?

PM: I attended the CONCACAF U17 Championships in 2013 in Panama where I worked the match for third place. My preparation has been three-pronged: studying match situations and video; physical training; and studying the teams that are competing.

How has this season been for you in general?

PM: It has been a very good season so far with multiple opportunities to officiate in World Cup Qualifiers and attend excellent courses in addition to my domestic matches.

Assignments: Click here to see the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup assignments

Getting to know Peter Manikowski…

Where do you reside/where are you from?

PM: Boston, MA; previously Chicago, IL.

When did you make your professional officiating debut, and what was the game?

PM: Real Salt Lake v New York Red Bulls – May 5, 2007.

When did you become a FIFA official?

PM: 2012.

When did you make your international debut, and what was the game? 

PM: Ghana v Chile – February 29, 2012 in Philadelphia.