Medford Boys' Soccer Allowed To Continue In Playoffs

MEDFORD, MA — The Medford High School boys' soccer team will play in the Division 1 North Final after receiving a last-minute court injunction. Medford's appeal with the MIAC Friday was unsuccessful, but the injunction allows the 17-3-1 Mustangs to compete for the division championship.

Medford goes up against Lincoln-Sudbury Saturday at 5:30 p.m. at Manning Field. The winner will advance to the state semi-finals.

The MIAA initially decided the Mustangs would have to forfeit the 2019 season after a "clerical oversight" resulted in an ineligible player participating in the season, according to the Medford Public Schools.

The player is a fifth-year student who initially played for Cambridge before transferring, the Boston Herald's Danny Ventura reported. The school should have requested a waiver for the player from the MIAA and self-reported the error to the MIAA when it was discovered, MPS said in a statement.

Mayor Stephanie Muccini Burke and Superintendent Marice Edouard-Vincent hinted at legal action in a joint statement Thursday:

"Obviously, our students and coaches are devastated and extremely upset. They all have put in so much energy, hard work and sacrifice this entire season and it is at risk of being wiped away. Actually, the entire high school community; parents, friends, neighbors and relatives are in disbelief. This was an adult oversight. It had nothing to do with the students and they should not be penalized. It is hard to explain it and even harder to try to understand. These students have played with Mustang Pride flowing in their veins and have always displayed nothing but good sportsmanship. Therefore, this is not over. We must do right for our students and student-athletes! We are exploring alternatives, including possible legal action, with the goal of providing our students with the opportunity to play in the game. The MIAA's decision is inflicting irreparable harm upon this team."