League declares forfeit as Omaha Kings will advance to second round of playoffs

DES MOINES, Iowa -- The Omaha Kings are advancing to the MASL 2 semifinals, although not in the way they had imagined.

After falling to Mexico City on the field, 6-2 in a first-round playoff game Friday in Des Moines, MASL Commissioner Chris Economides ruled the game a forfeit after it was determined they had used an ineligible player. The player in question was listed on the official line up card turned into to officials prior to the game, but was listed as a coach, not as a player. That person took the field during the game which was afterwards deemed to be an ineligible player.

"It was nothing malicious or intentional, and of course Mexico City is upset, but the rule is black and white," Economides said. "All the parties involved were in discussions about the situation for hours after the game, but the final decision was unavoidable."

Omaha will meet the Harrisburg Heat Saturday night at 7 p.m. CDT at Baxter Arena in Omaha in the second of two-semifinal games tomorrow.