The Fairfield Stags men's soccer team represents
Fairfield UniversityFairfield University is a private, co-educational undergraduate and master's level teaching-oriented university located in Fairfield, Connecticut, in the New England region of the United States. It was founded by the Society of Jesus in 1942, and today is one of 28 member institutions of the...
in
Fairfield, ConnecticutFairfield is a town located in Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States. It is bordered by the towns of Bridgeport, Trumbull, Easton, Redding and Westport along the Gold Coast of Connecticut. As of the 2010 census, the town had a population of 59,404...
and competes in the
Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC)The Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference is a college athletic conference which operates in the northeastern United States. MAAC teams compete in the NCAA's Division I. Most of the members are Catholic or formerly Catholic institutions; the only exception is the private but secular Rider...
of NCAA Division I. The Stags play their home games at
Lessing FieldLessing Field is a multi-purpose lacrosse and soccer stadium on the campus of Fairfield University in Fairfield, Connecticut. It is home to the Fairfield Stags men's and women's lacrosse and soccer teams...
on the campus of
Fairfield UniversityFairfield University is a private, co-educational undergraduate and master's level teaching-oriented university located in Fairfield, Connecticut, in the New England region of the United States. It was founded by the Society of Jesus in 1942, and today is one of 28 member institutions of the...
. The team was ranked nationally in 1998 (24th), 2000 (15th), 2001 (12th), 2005 (24th), 2006 (15th) and 2007 (17th) and competed in the
NCAA Division I Men's Soccer TournamentThe NCAA began conducting a Men's Division I Soccer Championship tournament in 1959 with an eight-team tournament. Currently, the tournament field consists of 48 teams...
in 1999,
2006The 2006 NCAA Division I Men's Soccer Championship was a tournament of 48 teams from NCAA Division I who played for the NCAA Championship in soccer. The College Cup Final Four was held at Hermann Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri. All the other games were played at the home field of the higher-seeded...
,
2008The 2008 NCAA Division I Men's Soccer Championship was a tournament of 48 teams from NCAA Division I who played for the NCAA Championship in soccer. The College Cup for the final four teams was held at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Texas. All the other games were played at the home field of the...
, and
2011The 2011 NCAA Division I Men's Soccer Championship will be the 53rd edition of the tournament under its present format. The tournament will be held at Regions Park in Hoover, Alabama...
. The 2006 team advanced to the second round in the NCAA Tournament after defeating in-state rival University of Connecticut, 2-1. The team also won the
MAAC Championship TournamentThe MAAC Men's Soccer Tournament is the conference championship tournament in soccer for the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference . The tournament has been held every year since 1988. It is a single-elimination tournament and seeding is based on regular season records...
in 1999, 2006 and 2008. Individually, ten players have earned Regional All-American honors including
Mark Longwell '82Mark Longwell was an American soccer defender who played professionally in the North American Soccer League and United Soccer League.-Youth and College:...
who was the first Stag to go on to play for the
United States men's national soccer teamThe United States men's national soccer team represents the United States in international association football competitions. It is controlled by the United States Soccer Federation and competes in CONCACAF...
and major professional soccer for the
NASLNorth American Soccer League was a professional soccer league with teams in the United States and Canada that operated from 1968 to 1984.-History:...
Tampa Bay Rowdies. The Stags are currently coached by 1998 New England Coach of the Year
Carl ReesCarl Rees is the head coach of the Fairfield Stags men's soccer team where he was the 1998 NSCAA New England Coach of the Year and the 1998 and 2011 MAAC Coach of the Year. Rees is the Director of Coaching for Everton America, an official partner of Everton FC of the English Premier League...
.
Dawn of the Stags
The Fairfield Stags men's soccer program first began in 1964. Fairfield University Athletic Hall of Famer James Kuhlmann was the founding coach who dedicated himself to the University and the development of the program over the next 24 years. Coach Kuhlmann's dedication and efforts culminated in the Stags becoming a routine MAAC contender in the 80s with standout players
Mark Longwell '82Mark Longwell was an American soccer defender who played professionally in the North American Soccer League and United Soccer League.-Youth and College:...
, who went on to play for the
United States men's national soccer teamThe United States men's national soccer team represents the United States in international association football competitions. It is controlled by the United States Soccer Federation and competes in CONCACAF...
and the
NASLNorth American Soccer League was a professional soccer league with teams in the United States and Canada that operated from 1968 to 1984.-History:...
Tampa Bay Rowdies, and Alberto Zappala '82 leading the way.
Red Stags Rising
With Head Coach
Carl ReesCarl Rees is the head coach of the Fairfield Stags men's soccer team where he was the 1998 NSCAA New England Coach of the Year and the 1998 and 2011 MAAC Coach of the Year. Rees is the Director of Coaching for Everton America, an official partner of Everton FC of the English Premier League...
manning the helm over the past decade the Stags have been ranked among the nation's elite programs having produced seven
NSCAAThe National Soccer Coaches Association of America is an organization of American soccer coaches founded in 1941. The NSCAA has grown from a handful of college soccer coaches to more than 22,000 members, making it the largest coaching organization in the world. Its members coach at all levels of...
Regional All-Americans and achieved seven winning seasons, including double-digit win totals in five of the last 10 campaigns. In 1998, the Stags posted a program-high 15 wins, and earned a #24 national ranking, the first-ever top 25 poll appearance by any Fairfield University team. In 1999, the Stags won its first MAAC tournament title and the program's first NCAA play-in berth. In 2000, the Stags earned a #15 national ranking. In 2001, the Stags placed in the national rankings all but two weeks, hitting a program-high of number 12. In 2005, the Stags posted an unbeaten conference record (8-0-1) for the first time in school history and captured the MAAC regular-season championship. The Stags also garnered a national ranking in the 2005 polls, thanks in part to an unbeaten mark during the month of October (8-0-1).
2006 Season
In 2006 the Stags became the first Fairfield team in any sport to advance past the first round of an NCAA Tournament, as they defeated UConn 2-1 in the
NCAA Men's Soccer ChampionshipThe NCAA began conducting a Men's Division I Soccer Championship tournament in 1959 with an eight-team tournament. Currently, the tournament field consists of 48 teams...
in Storrs, CT. After winning the MAAC regular season and post season championship, the Stags, led by seniors Alex Cunliffe and Mike Troy, as well as juniors Tom Skara, J.P. Francini and Sam Bailey, entered the UConn game as the underdog. A goal by senior Jimmy Gaughan broke a 1-1 tie and solid goaltending from Francini kept the lead for Fairfield who upset the Huskies. The Stags lost to Towson in the second round, but will be remembered as one of the best athletic teams in school history.
All-Time Head Coaches
| Years | Head Coach | Record | Postseason |
| 1964-1987 |
James Kuhlmann |
|
- |
| 1988-1995 |
Dejan Cokic |
|
- |
| 1996-Present |
Carl Rees Carl Rees is the head coach of the Fairfield Stags men's soccer team where he was the 1998 NSCAA New England Coach of the Year and the 1998 and 2011 MAAC Coach of the Year. Rees is the Director of Coaching for Everton America, an official partner of Everton FC of the English Premier League...
|
115-68-28 |
1999 NCAA The NCAA began conducting a Men's Division I Soccer Championship tournament in 1959 with an eight-team tournament. Currently, the tournament field consists of 48 teams...
, 2006 NCAAThe 2006 NCAA Division I Men's Soccer Championship was a tournament of 48 teams from NCAA Division I who played for the NCAA Championship in soccer. The College Cup Final Four was held at Hermann Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri. All the other games were played at the home field of the higher-seeded...
, 2008 NCAAThe 2008 NCAA Division I Men's Soccer Championship was a tournament of 48 teams from NCAA Division I who played for the NCAA Championship in soccer. The College Cup for the final four teams was held at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Texas. All the other games were played at the home field of the...
|
| - |
Total |
126-74-30 |
- |
Regional All-American
Mark LongwellMark Longwell was an American soccer defender who played professionally in the North American Soccer League and United Soccer League.-Youth and College:...
(1981) Dave Mancini (2000) Rob DeFaveri (2001) Aaron Kingi (2001)
Justin ThompsonJustin Thompson is a Canadian soccer player currently playing for Vancouver Whitecaps in the USSF Division 2 Professional League.-College:...
(2002)
Bryan HarkinBryan Harkin is a Northern Irish soccer player who currently plays for Crystal Palace Baltimore in the USSF Second Division.-College and amateur:...
(2002) Billy Androutsos (2004, 2005) Alex Cunliffe (2004, 2006) Sam Bailey (2006, 2007) Thomas Skara (2006, 2007) Matthew Uy (2007, 2008, 2009)
League Coach of the Year
Dejan Cokic (
MAACThe Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference is a college athletic conference which operates in the northeastern United States. MAAC teams compete in the NCAA's Division I. Most of the members are Catholic or formerly Catholic institutions; the only exception is the private but secular Rider...
, 1991, 1992)
Carl ReesCarl Rees is the head coach of the Fairfield Stags men's soccer team where he was the 1998 NSCAA New England Coach of the Year and the 1998 and 2011 MAAC Coach of the Year. Rees is the Director of Coaching for Everton America, an official partner of Everton FC of the English Premier League...
(
MAACThe Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference is a college athletic conference which operates in the northeastern United States. MAAC teams compete in the NCAA's Division I. Most of the members are Catholic or formerly Catholic institutions; the only exception is the private but secular Rider...
, 1998, 2011)
League Player of the Year
Mark LongwellMark Longwell was an American soccer defender who played professionally in the North American Soccer League and United Soccer League.-Youth and College:...
(Defensive, Tri-State, 1980, 1981)
Jim McElderryJim McElderry is the head men's soccer coach at Fordham University, USA, which plays in the Atlantic 10 Conference.-Fairfield years:A 1993 graduate of Fairfield University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and a minor in Economics, McElderry was a four-year letterman for the...
(
MAACThe Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference is a college athletic conference which operates in the northeastern United States. MAAC teams compete in the NCAA's Division I. Most of the members are Catholic or formerly Catholic institutions; the only exception is the private but secular Rider...
, 1992) Alex Cunliffe (Co-Defensive,
MAACThe Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference is a college athletic conference which operates in the northeastern United States. MAAC teams compete in the NCAA's Division I. Most of the members are Catholic or formerly Catholic institutions; the only exception is the private but secular Rider...
, 2003) Thomas Skara (Defensive,
MAACThe Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference is a college athletic conference which operates in the northeastern United States. MAAC teams compete in the NCAA's Division I. Most of the members are Catholic or formerly Catholic institutions; the only exception is the private but secular Rider...
, 2006) Michael O'Keeffe (Defensive,
MAACThe Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference is a college athletic conference which operates in the northeastern United States. MAAC teams compete in the NCAA's Division I. Most of the members are Catholic or formerly Catholic institutions; the only exception is the private but secular Rider...
, 2011) Jordan Ayris (Rookie,
MAACThe Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference is a college athletic conference which operates in the northeastern United States. MAAC teams compete in the NCAA's Division I. Most of the members are Catholic or formerly Catholic institutions; the only exception is the private but secular Rider...
, 2011)
| valign="top" |
First Team All-League
Mark LongwellMark Longwell was an American soccer defender who played professionally in the North American Soccer League and United Soccer League.-Youth and College:...
(Tri-State, 1980, 1981)
Jim McElderryJim McElderry is the head men's soccer coach at Fordham University, USA, which plays in the Atlantic 10 Conference.-Fairfield years:A 1993 graduate of Fairfield University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and a minor in Economics, McElderry was a four-year letterman for the...
(
MAACThe Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference is a college athletic conference which operates in the northeastern United States. MAAC teams compete in the NCAA's Division I. Most of the members are Catholic or formerly Catholic institutions; the only exception is the private but secular Rider...
, 1991)
Adam BrazAdam Braz is a retired Canadian soccer player known mainly for his years spent playing at the Montreal Impact in the USSF Division 2 Professional League.- College :...
(
MAACThe Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference is a college athletic conference which operates in the northeastern United States. MAAC teams compete in the NCAA's Division I. Most of the members are Catholic or formerly Catholic institutions; the only exception is the private but secular Rider...
, 2000) Rob DeFaveri (
MAACThe Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference is a college athletic conference which operates in the northeastern United States. MAAC teams compete in the NCAA's Division I. Most of the members are Catholic or formerly Catholic institutions; the only exception is the private but secular Rider...
, 2001) Mark Dietz (
MAACThe Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference is a college athletic conference which operates in the northeastern United States. MAAC teams compete in the NCAA's Division I. Most of the members are Catholic or formerly Catholic institutions; the only exception is the private but secular Rider...
, 1999, 2001) Aaron Kingi (
MAACThe Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference is a college athletic conference which operates in the northeastern United States. MAAC teams compete in the NCAA's Division I. Most of the members are Catholic or formerly Catholic institutions; the only exception is the private but secular Rider...
, 2001)
Justin ThompsonJustin Thompson is a Canadian soccer player currently playing for Vancouver Whitecaps in the USSF Division 2 Professional League.-College:...
(
MAACThe Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference is a college athletic conference which operates in the northeastern United States. MAAC teams compete in the NCAA's Division I. Most of the members are Catholic or formerly Catholic institutions; the only exception is the private but secular Rider...
, 2002)
Bryan HarkinBryan Harkin is a Northern Irish soccer player who currently plays for Crystal Palace Baltimore in the USSF Second Division.-College and amateur:...
(
MAACThe Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference is a college athletic conference which operates in the northeastern United States. MAAC teams compete in the NCAA's Division I. Most of the members are Catholic or formerly Catholic institutions; the only exception is the private but secular Rider...
, 2002) Danny Atwell (
MAACThe Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference is a college athletic conference which operates in the northeastern United States. MAAC teams compete in the NCAA's Division I. Most of the members are Catholic or formerly Catholic institutions; the only exception is the private but secular Rider...
, 2003) Andrew Frankel (
MAACThe Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference is a college athletic conference which operates in the northeastern United States. MAAC teams compete in the NCAA's Division I. Most of the members are Catholic or formerly Catholic institutions; the only exception is the private but secular Rider...
, 2003, 2005) Alex Cunliffe (
MAACThe Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference is a college athletic conference which operates in the northeastern United States. MAAC teams compete in the NCAA's Division I. Most of the members are Catholic or formerly Catholic institutions; the only exception is the private but secular Rider...
, 2004, 2006) Billy Androutsos (
MAACThe Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference is a college athletic conference which operates in the northeastern United States. MAAC teams compete in the NCAA's Division I. Most of the members are Catholic or formerly Catholic institutions; the only exception is the private but secular Rider...
, 2005) Jon Paul Francini (
MAACThe Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference is a college athletic conference which operates in the northeastern United States. MAAC teams compete in the NCAA's Division I. Most of the members are Catholic or formerly Catholic institutions; the only exception is the private but secular Rider...
, 2006) Thomas Skara (
MAACThe Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference is a college athletic conference which operates in the northeastern United States. MAAC teams compete in the NCAA's Division I. Most of the members are Catholic or formerly Catholic institutions; the only exception is the private but secular Rider...
, 2006) Sam Bailey (
MAACThe Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference is a college athletic conference which operates in the northeastern United States. MAAC teams compete in the NCAA's Division I. Most of the members are Catholic or formerly Catholic institutions; the only exception is the private but secular Rider...
, 2007) Christian Uy (
MAACThe Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference is a college athletic conference which operates in the northeastern United States. MAAC teams compete in the NCAA's Division I. Most of the members are Catholic or formerly Catholic institutions; the only exception is the private but secular Rider...
, 2008) Michael O'Keeffe (
MAACThe Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference is a college athletic conference which operates in the northeastern United States. MAAC teams compete in the NCAA's Division I. Most of the members are Catholic or formerly Catholic institutions; the only exception is the private but secular Rider...
, 2011) Jonny Raj (
MAACThe Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference is a college athletic conference which operates in the northeastern United States. MAAC teams compete in the NCAA's Division I. Most of the members are Catholic or formerly Catholic institutions; the only exception is the private but secular Rider...
, 2011) Jon Clement (
MAACThe Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference is a college athletic conference which operates in the northeastern United States. MAAC teams compete in the NCAA's Division I. Most of the members are Catholic or formerly Catholic institutions; the only exception is the private but secular Rider...
, 2011) Jordan Ayris (
MAACThe Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference is a college athletic conference which operates in the northeastern United States. MAAC teams compete in the NCAA's Division I. Most of the members are Catholic or formerly Catholic institutions; the only exception is the private but secular Rider...
, 2011)
|}
Career leaders
- Points:
Sam Bailey (70, 2004-2007)
- Goals: Sam Bailey (27, 2004-2007)
- Assists: Barry O'Driscoll (20, 1996-1999)
- Lowest Goal Against Average: Roger Noll (0.92, 1999-2001)
- Shutouts: Roger Noll (20, 1999-2001)
| valign="top" |
Single-season leaders
|}
Stags in the pros
| Player | Year | Team |
| Vasilis Androutsos |
2005 |
Montreal ImpactMontreal Impact was a Canadian professional soccer club based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Founded in 1992, the team played in the North American Soccer League , the second tier of the American Soccer Pyramid until the 2011 season. The owner Joey Saputo now operates the MLS team Montreal ImpactThe...
|
| Adam Braz Adam Braz is a retired Canadian soccer player known mainly for his years spent playing at the Montreal Impact in the USSF Division 2 Professional League.- College :...
|
2001 |
Canadian National Team, Toronto FCToronto FC is a Canadian professional soccer club based in Toronto, Ontario which competes in Major League Soccer , the top professional soccer league in the United States and Canada....
|
| Rob DeFaveri |
2002 |
Montreal ImpactMontreal Impact was a Canadian professional soccer club based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Founded in 1992, the team played in the North American Soccer League , the second tier of the American Soccer Pyramid until the 2011 season. The owner Joey Saputo now operates the MLS team Montreal ImpactThe...
|
| James Hunt |
2004 |
Long Island Rough RidersLong Island Rough Riders is an American soccer team based in South Huntington, New York, United States. Founded in 1994, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Mid Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference.The team plays its...
|
| Justin Thompson |
2003 |
Portland TimbersPortland Timbers was an American professional soccer team based in Portland, Oregon, United States. Founded in 2001, the team played in various leagues at the second tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, including the USL First Division and the USSF Division 2 Professional League, until the end of...
, Worcester City, Virginia Beach MarinersThe Virginia Beach Mariners were an American soccer club, who formerly played in the USL First Division of the United Soccer Leagues, the second division in the US Soccer hierarchy behind Major League Soccer...
, Toronto LynxToronto Lynx is a Canadian soccer team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Founded in 1997, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Great Lakes Division of the Central Conference....
|
Bryan HarkinBryan Harkin is a Northern Irish soccer player who currently plays for Crystal Palace Baltimore in the USSF Second Division.-College and amateur:...
|
2002 |
Crystal Palace FC USA |
| Lee Williams |
1999 |
Toronto LynxToronto Lynx is a Canadian soccer team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Founded in 1997, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Great Lakes Division of the Central Conference....
|
| Jim McElderry Jim McElderry is the head men's soccer coach at Fordham University, USA, which plays in the Atlantic 10 Conference.-Fairfield years:A 1993 graduate of Fairfield University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and a minor in Economics, McElderry was a four-year letterman for the...
|
1993 |
New York Fever, Long Island Rough RidersLong Island Rough Riders is an American soccer team based in South Huntington, New York, United States. Founded in 1994, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Mid Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference.The team plays its...
|
| Mark Longwell Mark Longwell was an American soccer defender who played professionally in the North American Soccer League and United Soccer League.-Youth and College:...
|
1982 |
United States National Team The United States men's national soccer team represents the United States in international association football competitions. It is controlled by the United States Soccer Federation and competes in CONCACAF...
, Tampa Bay Rowdies, Ft. Lauderdale Suns |
| Thomas Skara |
2010 |
Melbourne KnightsMelbourne Knights Football Club is a football club representing Melbourne, Australia in the Victorian Premier League . The club is one of the most successful football clubs in Australia, being a two-time championship and four-time premiership winner in the now defunct National Soccer League...
|
See also