CHICAGO – A controversy and potential scandal has arisen in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

U.S. Soccer has announced Thursday’s draw to determine hosts for semifinals and hosting priority for the final was postponed.

The decision comes as a result of a protest filed by the Portland Timbers in relation to the number of foreign players fielded by Los Angeles Football Club during the quarterfinal at Banc of America Stadium in Los Angeles, Calif. Wednesday night.

LAFC won the game, 3-2.

The exact nature of Portland’s protest was not immediately know. Open Cup rules state that teams are allowed to dress only five players per game during the competition.

The U.S. Open Cup adjudication and discipline panel will review the matter as soon as possible, according to the U.S. Soccer Federation.

The exact time of the draw will be determined in the near future, the federation said.

Front Row Soccer editor Michael Lewis has covered 13 World Cups (eight men, five women), seven Olympics and 25 MLS Cups. He has written about New York City FC, New York Cosmos, the New York Red Bulls and both U.S. national teams for Newsday and has penned a soccer history column for the Guardian.com. Lewis, who has been honored by the Press Club of Long Island and National Soccer Coaches Association of America, is the former editor of BigAppleSoccer.com. He has written seven books about the beautiful game and has published ALIVE AND KICKING The incredible but true story of the Rochester Lancers. It is available at Amazon.com.