From Backyard to The Field: The Shaw Brothers Reunite at FC Monmouth

Written By Andrea Peralta

For brothers Tyler and Patrick Shaw, the journey to FC Monmouth hasn’t been your typical one. It’s been built on competition, shaped by completely different paths, and somehow brought back together through the same sport they both love. Finally, everything has come full circle, and this time, they’re on the same field.

Patrick (left), playing against his brother Tyler (right) in a NY Red Bulls academy Vs PDA matchup.

Growing up in Marlboro, New Jersey, competition was just part of everyday life in the Shaw household. Whether it was soccer, video games, or even board games, there was always something going on, and both brothers were all for it. Even though they shared that competitive nature, their starts in soccer differed.

Patrick, the older brother, was the first to really get into the sport. From a young age, it was clear how passionate he was for the sport.

“I was interested in soccer first and I was the first to play as well,” Patrick said.

That passion carried him through Marlboro Soccer Association, then to the New York Red Bulls academy, and later PDA. He then continued his career at Coastal Carolina University.

On the other hand, Tyler’s path wasn’t as straightforward.

“Patrick was deeply invested from an early age and more dedicated to the sport, while I did not have as much dedication to sports at all,” Tyler said. “I was more interested in playing basketball…so playing soccer together when we were younger was definitely a stretch.”

Even with those differences early on, the two stayed close through their shared competitiveness. Over time, Tyler started to take soccer more seriously, and the gap between them began to close, and not just in skill, but in mindset too. That shift led to one of the most important moments in their journey: finally getting to play together.

While at PDA, Tyler played up an age group to join Patrick’s team, marking the first time they shared the field in a real game setting.

“My favorite childhood memory was when we played our first game together,” Tyler said. “It was something that I will cherish for the rest of my life.”

Tyler (left) seen on field with Patrick (right) both playing for PDA.

Tyler (left) with Patrick (right)

For Patrick, some of his favorite memories actually came from before that, back to when it was just the two of them in their backyard.

“We used to act like we were in real games,” he said. “We would commentate each play and try to reenact famous goals.”

Those fun, competitive, and a little chaotic moments helped build the connection they now bring onto the field at FC Monmouth.

Even now, their personalities still balance each other out. Patrick has always been the more outwardly competitive one.

“I always wanted to win no matter what we were playing,” he said

Patrick after scoring game winner versus Kensington SC. June 7th 2025.

Tyler agrees that’s how it used to be, but says things have evened out over time.

“It has definitely changed now,” Tyler said. “I think we both have very competitive mindsets and we always strive to win.”

Now, they get the chance to bring that bond back onto the field again.

The Shaw brothers are set to reunite this season at FC Monmouth, playing side-by-side for the first time since their PDA days. For Tyler, it means even more after missing last season due to an ACL surgery.

“I am very excited to play with him again, especially for FC Monmouth,” Tyler said. “We always knew we were going to play together again.”

Make it stand out

Tyler (left) seen on field with Patrick (right)

The Shaw brothers are set to reunite this season at FC Monmouth, playing side-by-side for the first time since their PDA days. For Tyler, it means even more after missing last season due to an ACL surgery.

“I am very excited to play with him again, especially for FC Monmouth,” Tyler said. “We always knew we were going to play together again.”

And for both of them, this moment is about more than just looking back, it’s about what’s to come, and there's no better place for that than FC Monmouth.

With its strong sense of community, competitive environment, and focus on player development, FC Monmouth has quickly become the place to be for players looking to take the next step while still staying connected to home. For local players like Tyler and Patrick, it’s the perfect opportunity to compete at a high level while representing where they come from.

After years of competing against each other, training together, and growing both as players and as brothers, they now get to wear the same jersey, represent the same club, and chase the same goals.

“I hope that we can bring a championship… and make memories that last a lifetime,” Patrick said.

Patrick after Kensington SC Match 2025 with fans.

Tyler kept it just as simple.

“Winning a trophy with FC Monmouth and having an unforgettable season.”

From backyard games in Marlboro to where they are now, everything has been building toward this moment.

And now, this 2026 season at FC Monmouth, the Shaw brothers are ready to take on what’s next. 

To catch the Shaw brothers in action this summer, follow @wearemonmouth to stay up to date on FC Monmouth’s events, matches, and everything surrounding the Blue and Gold. Join us for field trip day May 1st as well as the home opener on May 9th back at the Basie!