Welcome to the Rochester Alumni Derby — a weekend built around reconnecting with former teammates, reliving old rivalries, and proving the competitive spirit never really leaves. 

The Derby features three competitions in one. First, teams will compete on the field for alumni soccer bragging rights. Second, participating schools will be paired with Rochester soccer legends Carlos Metidieri, Frank Odoi, and Pat Ercoli in a friendly coaching competition. Third, schools will compete off the field to see which alumni community can raise the most support for diabetes and Alzheimer's causes. 

Games will be played 8v8 on half fields with 30-minute halves. Rules are designed to keep the games fun, competitive, and moving: no sliding tackles, no offsides, open substitutions, and no limit on roster size.

Most of us are a little older, a little slower, and definitely more out of shape than we once were — and that’s perfectly fine. The real victory is showing up, sharing the field again, and reconnecting with the teammates and friendships that helped shape our college years.

Please spread the word and help us maximize participation. The more alumni we reach, the more special this event becomes.

Adding an extra layer of fun to the weekend will be a “competition within the competition” featuring three Rochester soccer legends serving as honorary coaches. Carlos Metidieri (University of Rochester Lancers star and two-time U.S. National Team player), Frank Odoi (University of Rochester Lancers, Rochester Rhinos, and five-year member of Ghana’s National Team), and Pat Ercoli (University of Rochester Lancers, Rochester Rhinos, and Canadian National Team player) will each lend their names, personalities, and competitive spirit to participating alumni teams. While largely symbolic, their involvement adds another storyline to the Derby and gives alumni the chance to compete not only for team bragging rights, but also for the honor of helping their legendary coach claim Rochester soccer supremacy. 

A third competition will take place off the field, as schools compete to raise funds for diabetes and Alzheimer's causes. Beyond the Derby title, alumni will have the opportunity to channel their school pride and rivalry into making a meaningful impact in the community. 

Below you’ll find additional information on progress toward organizing the event, tournament awards and recognition, media coverage plans, Saturday social events, community and fundraising initiatives, sponsorship opportunities, and the broader vision behind the Derby.