City Section Soccer Playoffs Face Challenges with Forfeits

City Section Boys’ Soccer Playoffs in Disarray

The City Section boys’ soccer playoffs are facing significant disruption following the removal of Marquez and South East from the Open Division playoffs. This decision was announced on Wednesday by City Section Commissioner Vicky Lagos, who cited violations of CIF bylaw 600. This regulation prohibits players from participating in outside leagues during the sports season. Both schools had players involved with MLS Next, a prominent soccer development program.

South East had advanced to the Open Division final after defeating Marquez in the semifinals. With Marquez now disqualified, the two teams that lost in the first round, Birmingham and Venice, will face off on Thursday at Birmingham. The winner will earn the opportunity to compete against El Camino Real for the Open Division title on Saturday at 6 p.m. at Pasadena City College.

Compounding the situation, at least four Birmingham players, under the impression that their season was over, have already joined their club teams and will not be eligible for Thursday’s match.

Additionally, Franklin has also been removed from the playoffs, while Chatsworth and L.A. Jordan forfeited games earlier this season for similar infractions. “It’s a big mess,” Lagos remarked regarding the ongoing situation.

Birmingham’s athletic director, Rick Prizant, whose school is part of the West Valley League, has proposed a reevaluation of bylaw 600. He expressed, “This proves we should get rid of the rule.”

Lagos reiterated the importance of compliance, noting that she emphasizes to coaches at the season’s start that players are prohibited from participating in club competitions or showcases during their high school soccer season. She stated that she does not believe any of the head coaches were aware of the violations, acknowledging that she received notifications last week about potential issues involving South East and Marquez.