U.S. Under-23 men's national team goalkeeper Gaga Slonina suffered relegation with Eupen while on loan from Chelsea over the weekend.
WHAT HAPPENED?
After falling to FC Kortrijk 1-0 on Sunday, the Belgian side's fate was confirmed. Their opposition, also fighting in the relegation playoffs, secured a spot in next weekend's playoff relegation match in an attempt to secure survival.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Slonina, who has one senior cap and nine with the Olympic squad, is expected to be a part of the team for the Paris Games this summer. Rosters for the tournament will not be announced until the summer months, though.
The Chelsea loanee will return to the Blues at the end of the season, likely in search of another loan after his first season of European soccer. The 19-year-old had a productive first campaign - including a Player of the Match honor in their final win of the season over St. Truiden on March 10.
DID YOU KNOW?
Slonina played for the Chicago Fire before his move to the Blues where he made 43 professional appearances.
WHAT NEXT FOR EUPEN?
Eupen still have one match left on the calendar this season, with a contest against RWD Molenbeek in the relegation playoffs. However, it's a match where they'll be playing for pride, as their fate is already secured.