School is in Session

My apologies to everyone for the once again infrequent posts, school has resumed and with it a very busy schedule for me. Being that it was my first week at a new school an inordinate amount of time and energy went into my efforts, so pencil me in on those teacher of the year ballots.

In any event, my efforts on Soccer the Rochester Way have been less than adequate, and I will do my best to catch up a bit now. It's been 5 days since the Red Bulls managed a well earned 0-0 draw in DC for their first shutout in DC in franchise history. Perhaps the highlight for Red Bull fans was when the much maligned Jaime Moreno sent a late spot kick wide right blowing the chance for 3 points. The Red Bulls look forward to another interesting road game when they take on Chicago tomorrow night in what will be Juan Carlos Osorio's first trip back to the Windy City since he left the Fire. NY looks to take advantage of the World Cup Qualifying schedule that won't leave them shorthanded, but will see the Fire without star playmaker Blanco.

In one of the more unusual MLS stories you will see, Toronto FC will be hit hardest by the WCQ's yet forced to play despite Chivas USA agreeing to reschedule. For an interesting read check out Ives' piece on the incident. http://www.soccerbyives.net/soccer_by_ives/2008/09/help-wanted-if.html

The Rhinos have been out of action since my last post, but will host the Portland Timbers at Paetec Park tomorrow night. The game is scheduled for a 7:35 kick-off so come out and support the club.

As I'm sure everyone knows by now, US Men's midfielder Michael Bradley has been transferred from Dutch club Heerenveen to newly promoted German club Borussia Monchengladbach. For those unfamiliar with German football, the club has a history of being very respectable, and stays in the top division more often than not. It may not be a widely known club here in America, but I don't think the move is a bad one as many suggest.

Lastly, the high school soccer season is now most certainly underway, and I will be moving on my high school posts and player highlights as promised. For now it is far too early to get excited about team records, but Hilton and Fairport have each jumped out to 3-0-0 records while Penfield and Webster Thomas sit a 2-0-0. Remember, I am by no means everywhere at once, so if you have any stories, scores or player info on local high school teams, please send them my way via e-mail.