Boys’ soccer: Another club soccer ethical dilemma

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Another year, another ethical dilemma for Woodland Hills El Camino Real boys’ soccer Coach David Hussey, who is earning the wrath of local coaches for once again using a player in the playoffs who didn’t play for him during the regular season.

Orr Barouch joined the team on Monday and scored the winning goal in a 2-1 victory over Bell, sending the Conquistadores into Thursday’s City Section quarterfinals against San Fernando. Barouch had been playing for Chivas USA’s Academy club team.

Hussey followed City Section rules, just like last season. Players can’t go back and forth between club and high school ball. Once they play high school, the clock begins. As soon as they play club, they’re ineligible for high school. But some coaches don’t believe a coach should allow a player to miss the entire regular season, then suddenly show up for the playoffs.

‘Ethically, I’m doing what’s best for my kids,’ Hussey said.

-- Eric Sondheimer