New Zealand. England. Ireland. Mexico. Canada. The Fairfield men’s soccer team has recruited players from all of these countries over the past four years. But why do these international players decide to bring their games to Fairfield?
“It’s the opportunity to get a degree from a quality institution,” said head coach Carl Rees. “Competing in Division I soccer and the chance to play year round is also a big reason to come to Fairfield.”
Right now on the team there are eight international players. Rees says the way they get them to come here is through good recruiting. When recruiting an international player, Rees mainly looks at players that are on their nation’s under-20 national team. He has maintained good relationships with coaches from different countries that contact him about a player that maybe a good fit for Fairfield.
“Its not a big stretch for international players to come and compete for schools in the United States,” Rees said. “It’s a chance for them to experience a different culture which is a big reason to come here.
Bryan Harkin ’03, from Northern Ireland is now in his fourth year competing for the Stags.
“I was recruited to come and play here for Carl, and he seemed like a really good guy to play for,” said Harkin. “I also liked Fairfield because it’s close to New York City, and this school is right on the beach.”
In the recruiting process a big ploy to get international players to come here is New York City because from anywhere in the world, the city is well known and people want to experience it.
But Fairfield is not only interested in international players, says Rees. Out of 26 players on the team, 18 are from the U.S. Two weeks ago, Clemson, a team that is primarily made up of U.S. players, beat Fairfield 3-0.
It is evident that the sport of soccer is growing in this country. Just this past summer, the U.S. had its best finish ever in the World Cup.
“We don’t have to rely on international players to be a good team,” said Rees. “But they are helping our team be better, and giving Fairfield soccer a good reputation.”
The international players are helping Fairfield to be a more dominant team, and by achieving success, top U.S. players will start to consider Fairfield as a school to come and play for.
“When I first came here, I didn’t think the competition would be that good,” said Manelick De La Parra ’05, who resides in Mexico. “But after playing here for awhile, I realized that there are a lot of good players s here and there is some tough competition also.”
The Fairfield men’s soccer team has just started competition in the MAAC, and are currently undefeated in conference play with wins over Iona and Marist.
The Stags fell in last year’s MAAC Championship game to Loyola and will again face their fiercest competition within the MAAC from the Greyhounds again this year.
“I think we have recruited a good mix of U.S. and international players,” said Rees. “But if a kid can play, no matter where he is from, we are going to recruit him.”
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