For a moment, at halftime the score was tied 2 to 2, and it seemed like players on the current Old Rochester Regional Varsity Soccer team (plus a couple younger additions) would have a chance to beat out alumni who had gone through the program before them. But the alumni pulled ahead in the second half to increase their winning streak to six games. 

Players ranged in age from eight to 34 at the Nov. 29 matchup at Old Rochester Regional High School. 

The Alumni were the first to score, and increased their lead about ten minutes into the thirty minute period. The varsity team answered within 45 seconds with their first score, and with just over 12 minutes left in the first period scored again to tie the game.

Four minutes into the second period, the alumni broke the tie. A second score at 9:30 doubled the alumni lead. 

The varsity team goals were scored by fourth grader James Devoll, and junior George Barry. 

The alumni team goals were scored by Shane DeSousa, Melvin Vincent, Hunter Parker, and Ethan Moniz. 

Current Old Rochester Principal and soccer Coach Mike Devoll said that he started the game six years ago, as a way to capitalize on the fact that many alumni are home for Thanksgiving. 

“We started the game to better develop a sense of program and that alumni are an important part of the team each year,” Devoll said. 

The effort to strengthen the connection between former and current players paid off, and the principal and coach explained that older players will visit throughout the season to give advice and inspire current bulldogs.

Plus, “the current players love seeing the alumni that were the upperclassmen when they were first starting in the program,” Devoll said.