It’s not uncommon for siblings to play on the same team in high school, or even in college.
But in the high developmental leagues? It rarely happens.
FC Tucson has a pair of brothers on its roster.
Damian German and his younger brother, Isaias, are playing together for the first time. They’ll suit up for the Men in Black this weekend, when they host Colorado Pride U23 at Kino North Stadium. Both Friday and Saturday’s matches start at 7:30 p.m.
Damian, 21, and Isaias, 19, came to Tucson by way of Phoenix. This is the second season on FC Tucson for Damian, while Isaias is playing his first season here.
Damian played collegiately at Grand Canyon, but was released by the team earlier this week. Isaias also attended GCU, but wasn’t playing on the soccer team.
FC Tucson coach Dave Cosgrove said it was an easy decision to bring Isaias on board, even though he has no college experience.
“He was just kind of in between, trying to figure out which college he wanted to attend … but he will play and he should play,” Cosgrove said. “He has that quality.”
Cosgrove said he feels certain the German brothers will find a place to play next fall.
Isaias and Damian are the youngest of four siblings. They grew up in Phoenix playing soccer together, mostly around whatever apartment they were living in at the time.
But they never played on the same team before this season.
Isaias said his older brother has helped him adapt to PDL play.
“It was harder to adapt because I didn’t play in college,” he said. “I had to come in with no background, but I think I’m doing well. He’s always giving me advice, so that’s really helpful.”
The brothers share a strong relationship and bond, which trickles over to the rest of the team and makes it easier to come together.
“Brothers sometimes fight, but at the end of the day they stay together,” Cosgrove said. “I think having brothers in the locker room is a good thing. It unites the locker room a little tighter.”
But they may not be playing together for long. Damian is being tracked by some United Soccer League teams, according to Cosgrove.
“He’s been very good for us,” Cosgrove said. “He’s athletic, he works hard, he has a good attitude.”
FC Tucson is coming off a four-game set against Ogden City Soccer Club, which the teams split. Ogden won the first and last matches, while FC Tucson claimed the middle two games.
Cosgrove said the team is excited to play a new team.
“Colorado is one of the top teams in our conference,” Cosgrove said. “So it makes this weekend that much more important for us to have to get some results.”
For the time being, the German brothers will continue to enjoy playing on the same team.
“It’s just fun being around each other on the same team,” Isaias said. “Since growing up, we’ve always just played for fun. Being here together, in a serious environment, soccer is just fun.”
