CHARLESTON – U.S. Soccer Federation officials confirmed Thursday evening that The Villages SC has been disqualified from the U.S. Open Cup after the team fielded an ineligible player in Wednesday night’s match. As a result of the Federation’s decision, the Battery will advance to the third round of the Open Cup.
Charleston Battery president Andrew Bell,
“We are looking forward to continuing in the 2016 edition of the national championship. It’s an unusual situation but we will abide by US Soccer’s decision and prepare for the next round.”
One of Villages SC’s players featured in games for Boca Raton FC during the USOC qualification rounds in the fall, making him a cup-tied player. The Player Eligibility section of the U.S. Open Cup Handbook reads:
“(c) Any player who plays any part of an Open Cup match for a team, including any match in any Open Division qualifying round, may not be included in the Open Cup roster or play for any other team in the Open Cup competition for that competition year.
(d) If any team plays in ineligible player in an Open Cup match, that team is subject to fines or other penalties, including game forfeiture, as determined by the Adjudication and Discipline Panel”
Following the decision, the Battery will travel to play the Jacksonville Armada on June 1st at 7:00pm. The teams will play at Southern Oak Stadium on Jacksonville University’s campus. The winner of the match will advance to face Orlando City SC of the MLS in the fourth round.
Top Image: Forward Chris Tsonis celebrates his first goal in a Battery jersey vs. The Villages on 5.18. Vin Duffy photo
