By PAUL GOTHAM
One week at the top spot of the state rankings for the largest classification, and Fairport boys’ soccer shows no signs of slowing down.
The reigning NYS Class AAA champions ran their record to 8 wins against 0 losses and 0 ties. In doing so, the Red Raiders have outscored their opponents by a combined total of 26-3 which is a tick better than last year’s squad that went unbeaten.
Last season, Bill Teasdale’s club was 6-0-2 through its first eight games. That team had outscored opponents 25-6 through eight matchups. Three of those first eight opponents (Penfield twice and Irondequoit) went on to finish the 2024 campaign with winning records.
Three of Fairport’s opponents (Hilton, Spencerport and Penfield) so far this season also have winning records. Of those, Spencerport is averaging nearly two goals per game in its other seven contests. Fairport handed the Rangers one of its two shutouts on the season.
All this after graduating last year’s leading scorer, Ryan Mathis (currently playing at SUNY Brockport) and Zach Buys (currently at Messiah College) along with other starters Danny Lustica, Austin Stephany and Charlie Ippolito.
“We lost some key players, but others have stepped up,” Teasdale said recently.
Those others have had to shoulder a different level of attention from opponents.
Fairport, winners of 12 sectional titles, has always taken its opponents best shot. Being an undefeated state champion, whose last lost to a Section V team came on October 12th of 2023, brings additional intensity on game night.
“We’ve had that conversation,” Teasdale said. “I tell them all the time ‘all of you are walking around with a target on you. Every one of us. Everybody wants to beat you. That’s expected. If we’re playing a team that’s had success, we’re going to want to be the ones to knock them off too.’ We work hard and take them one at a time.”
Fairport’s defense has taken a step forward this season. Anchored by returning center back Alex Grejda, the Red Raiders opened with five shutouts. Their first goal allowed came late in an 8-1 win over Victor.
Equipped with a confident first touch and keen field vision, Grejda also provides an element of levity on the pitch for the Red Raiders.
During a recent game at Hilton, teammate Brock Stephany came from his center mid spot to make a play on a ball in the air. A ball that was coming directly to Grejda.
Grejda took the mid-air collision in stride with little more than a shake of the head when he realized the challenger to be his own teammate.
As luck would have it, a similar situation presented itself moments later – a ball floating in the air coming directly to Grejda.
This time, the senior captain made sure there was no confusion: “Brock! I got it!”
The deadpanned comment drew a chorus of chuckles from the Fairport contingent on hand at LeBeau Field.
“I try to be loose out there and have fun,” Grejda said. “I feel like when you get too tense, that’s when you start making the silly mistakes. We’re all best friends. Everyone’s got 23 other friends on the team. Being able to be comfortable out there is just a benefit for everyone.”
A three-sport athlete who also plays baseball and basketball, Grejda has the distinction of being the only student-athlete to play on both Fairport’s state champion baseball team in 2023 and on the soccer team a year ago. His light-hearted contributions could be the elixir Fairport needs as it looks ahead to sectionals.
“It’s a culture where we’re competitive but we’re also comfortable with each other,” Teasdale said. “Alex being able to joke like that shows confidence.”
Fairport hosts Hilton tonight (Friday). A 7:30 p.m. kickoff is scheduled.
The Red Raiders are one of three Section V sides ranked in the top spot of their respective classifications joining Pittsford Mendon (Class A/9-0-0) and Fillmore (Class D/8-0-0).
Mendon will welcome McQuaid Jesuit (Class AAA) for a 1 p.m. match on Saturday (9/26). Fillmore has a 7 p.m. meeting with Cuba-Rushford/Hinsdale on Saturday.
Five other Section V Boys’ sides remain unbeaten: Churchville-Chili (7-0-1), Hornell (8-0-1), East Rochester (8-0-1), Kendall (10-0-0) and Naples (9-0-0).
Churchville is ranked No. 10 Class AA and looked every bit the part in the Saints’ 6-nil handling of Hilton this past Wednesday. The Saints have outscored opponents 27-1. C-C welcomes Webster Thomas for a 7 p.m. kickoff on Friday.
Hornell (No. 2 Class B) travels to Livonia for a 6:30 game on Saturday.
East Rochester (No. 18 Class C) hosts Marion for a 6:00 p.m. tilt also on Saturday. Naples (No. 2 Class C) has the weekend off before facing HAC next Tuesday. Kendall (No. 10 Class C) has outscored opponents 42-3. The Eagles host Attica/Alexander on Friday.
Also ranked: Brockport (No. 14 Class AA/7-1-0), Mynderse (No. 11 B/10-1-0), Le Roy/Caledonia-Mumford (No. 18 B/7-2-0), Byron-Bergen/Elba (No. 14 Class C/7-1-0), Genesee Valley/Belfast (No. 10 D/5-1-2) and Northstar Christian (No. 15 D/8-1-0).
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