Wisconsin Soccer Central

Two Wisconsin referees are among the 88 selected to officiate at the U.S. Youth Soccer National Championships next week in Overland Park, Kan.

Madison's Chris Ruska will be a referee at nationals, working both as a center official and assistant referee, while Rachel Smith will be an assistant referee at the 88-team tournament from July 23 to 28.

Ruska and Smith were selected for nationals based on their performances at the Wisconsin State Championships and the Region II tournament. 

The 21-year-old Ruska, a University of Wisconsin student from Grafton, has been officiating for nine years and is a Level 6 state referee. This is his first nationals assignment and comes on the heels of his third appearance at regionals. Smith, who lives in Illinois but is registered through Wisconsin, is a Level 7 referee.