Carlos Metidieri

Years with the Lancers: 1970-1973 (forward)

Born: Sorocaba, Brazil

The Rochester Lancers’ first superstar.  Nicknamed “Topolino” (Italian for "Little Mouse") due to his 5'4" stature and explosive speed on the field.   Moved from his native Brazil to Canada at age 16 and played 2 seasons for Toronto Italia Falcons of the Eastern Canadian Professional Soccer League where he was the top goal scorer in 1965 and 1966 and the 1966 league MVP.  Joined the Los Angeles Wolves of the North American Soccer League in 1968 and scored 16 goals. After missing the 1969 season, became a member of the Lancers in 1970 where his greatest achievements took place.

Helped lead the Lancers to their only NASL Championship in 1970, winning the league MVP award and tying for most points scored in the NASL.  Topped the league in scoring again in 1971 and was a big part of the Lancers winning the NASL regular season title with a 13-5-6 mark.  Scored the winning goal in the longest soccer match ever played on September 1, 1971 as the Lancers defeated the Dallas Tornado, 2-1, in the 1st match of the NASL semi-final playoff series after 176 minutes of play.  Once again named NASL MVP for the 1971 season, becoming the only player in NASL history to be named Most Valuable Player twice.  An NASL second-team all star in 1972 as part of another Lancers playoff squad. Played for the Lancers one more year in 1973 before finishing his NASL career in 1974 with the Boston Minutemen.  Was the second leading goal scorer and point getter in Rochester Lancers history.

After becoming a naturalized US citizen, earned 2 caps for the US National Team in 1973.   Came out of retirement in 1979 and played a single season for the Buffalo Stallions of the Major Indoor Soccer League.  Was the special guest player for the Rochester Flash in the American Soccer League All-Star Game played at Holleder Stadium in 1982.  Became a restaurateur after his retirement from soccer and has owned restaurants in both Rochester and Arizona.