TKC Men's Soccer Penalized After Playing Ineligible Athlete

Edvin Loefgren started the game against SUNY ESF during their 2018 season. I I Photo credit to Bernadette Berdychowski

The King’s College men's soccer team finished their season with some controversy after news broke of the team inadvertently playing a player who is academically ineligible. 

The player, who has not been identified by the athletic department, played in the Lion’s first nine games of the season. When the athletic department discovered this during their routine reporting process they immediately self-reported it to the United States Collegiate Athletic Association. 

After the USCAA’s own review it was determined that this player was not eligible to play for the Lions due to not having the proper amount of credits needed to participate.  

“Until now The King's College Athletic Department has had an unblemished record and reputation with both the USCAA and the HVIAC,” said athletic director Bryan Finley. “The fact that the athletic department self reported this eligibility issue is looked at very favorably by both the USCAA and the HVIAC.” 

Isaiah Williams and Diego Herrera go after the ball at the SUNY ESF game during their 2018 season. I I Photo credit to Bernadette Berdychowski

The USCAA determined the team would have to take a 1-0 forfeit loss in all of the games that they played this player. 

However, all statistics still remain for the same for the team, for example if someone scored a goal or an assist they still have them recorded. 

The team was forced to take a loss for their first nine games which dropped them to sixth place in their conference. Because of this the Lions did not qualify for any postseason play, where only the top four teams in the conference proceed to the HVIAC playoffs. Their promising season resulted in a disappointing 1-10 record. 

“At this point we have not been advised of any further sanctions other than the fact that the team's first nine games count as 1-0 forfeit losses,” Finley said.