Men’s soccer players Christian Uy (10), Erik Ilisje (14), Matthew Uy (14) and Tucker Nathans (15) stand for the National Anthem prior to a game. The Stags are 4-4 heading into MAAC play on Friday.

Men’s soccer players Christian Uy (10), Erik Ilisje (14), Matthew Uy (14) and Tucker Nathans (15) stand for the National Anthem prior to a game. The Stags are 4-4 heading into MAAC play on Friday.

Since they were young, playing one-on-one soccer in their backyard, Christian and Matt Uy have been chasing one goal, becoming professional soccer players. Now, years later, they continue chasing that dream as starting midfielders for Fairfield University men’s soccer team.

Christian, a senior, is taking full advantage of his opportunities at Fairfield. Starting  for most of his college career, Uy showed his talent from the very beginning. He finished off his impressive freshman year by scoring the go – ahead goal against UConn in the 2006 NCAA tournament. Fairfield went on to win that game and that remains the only win for Fairfield athletics in the NCAA tournament.

Through his sophomore and junior year, Uy continued to live up to expectations. He played in every game and finished last season as the MAAC tournament MVP. The accomplishments that he’s collected over his years here have been great, but nothing has been more rewarding than playing with his brother, Matt.

“When I came here I thought it was a really good, healthy environment for me and when my brother was looking to go to school I told him the same thing,” said Christian.

This is the third year the Uy brothers have been playing at Fairfield together. Matt is in his junior and is putting together a nice career of his own.  As a midfielder, he played well enough to be named to the All-MAAC  Second Team in his freshman year. Last year, he started every game and became a defensive staple for Head coach Carl Rees and the Stags.

It did not take the brothers long to figure out what they wanted to do in life. Christian explained that soccer  quickly became a part of their lives early on.

“Soccer is  a sport that’s really easy to fall in love with. It’s a sport that anyone can play,” Christian said.

Anyone might be able to  play soccer, but few have been able to play like the Uy brothers. Growing up on Long Island,  they used each other to create a healthy competition. With the same goal in mind, both brothers push each other to get better and that really helps keep them focused.

“I’ve never had another teammate like myself but when I play with my brother it’s like I do. There’s nothing like playing together,”  said Christian.

This isn’t the first time they have played on a team together. At Kellenberg High School in Long Island, Christian and Matt both earned All-State Honors. Once they both ended up at Fairfield, first Christian, then Matt, Rees put together a program that would help make their dream a reality. As a senior, Christian Uy realizes how important Rees has been in his life.

“Coach is the most important figure in my collegiate career no question. His confidence and backing of me, my brother, all his players really help us push ourselves to the next level,” said Christian.

As important as soccer is in the Uy family, the family part still comes first. Christian and Matt’s father was also a soccer player and has been there since day one supporting them. The family always tries to come to as many games as possible and their support continues to be a big factor in the brothers success. When the two aren’t playing soccer,  Christian and Matt spend as much time with their family as possible.

“As much time as you can spend with your family, joking around, hanging out. That’s what its all about,” said Christian.

The family is close but nobody is closer than the two brothers. When asked how the two were different, Christian paused for a couple of minutes, took out his phone and called his brother.  Matt didn’t have an answer either. With such an incredibly tight and special bond, the Uy brothers are doing something that very few brothers can do, play soccer at the Division One level.

As they get closer to the end of their time here at Fairfield,  they said that they hope that one day, they will be able to play together professionally.

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