Hometown View – Friday, 11/18/11

Say it ain’t so? Less than two weeks after a child sex-abuse scandal broke at Penn State police are investigating a longtime assistant basketball coach at Syracuse University.

ESPN first reported that a former Syracuse ball boy, who is now 39, has accused Bernie Fine of child molestation. It appears the school previously investigated the matter but cleared Fine of any wrongdoing but now a second person has come forward and said he was also a victim of molestation by the 65-year old coach, who has now been placed on administrative leave.

On a more positive note the Monmouth University men’s soccer team has advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament following last night’s win over Stony Brook on The Great Lawn in West Long Branch. The game was scoreless through regulation and overtime before the Hawks prevailed in penalty kicks to earn a second-round date at 3rd-seeded Connecticut Sunday afternoon.

Belated congratulations to Mark Geiger who recently was named Major League Soccer’s Referee of the Year. A math teacher at Lacey Township High School, the 37-year old Geiger played youth soccer in Beachwood and began his officiating career working games for the Beachwood Soccer Club. He just finished his 8th season as an MLS referee where he was chosen for the honor by fellow refs, coaches, general managers and members of the media.

One other soccer-related matter that touches much more than just the game. The 2nd Annual Central Regional Alumni Soccer game will be played on Saturday, November 26th at 11am at the Berkeley Soccer Complex. This is a fundraiser for the college fund of Jason Marles’ two children. He is the Ocean Gate police officer who was killed by a drunk driver last Thanksgiving shortly after getting off work. Organizers of the game are seeking as many former Central players as possible…male and female to participate. Players are asked to donate $20 and they will also collect donations from spectators to aid the college fund of 6-year old Taryn and 5-year old Landon. For information on the alumni game you can call (732) 684-1208,