Former Union player Krystian Witkowski named head men’s coach at Fairfield University

Former Philadelphia Union midfielder Krystian Witkowski has been named head coach of Fairfield men’s soccer.

Witkowski, 33, heads to Fairfield after four years as an assistant at Northwestern University. Prior to that he was an assistant at Army West Point and started his coaching career at his alma mater Marist College after his one professional season. Witkowski was rostered with the Union during the 2012 season after being drafted 32nd overall in the MLS Supplemental Draft but didn’t log any minutes.

“I am humbled and thrilled to have been selected as the next Head Men’s Soccer Coach at Fairfield University,” Witkowski stated in a news release. “We will build upon the strong foundation established by Carl Rees, guiding our student-athletes in their daily pursuit of excellence and achieving new heights both in the classroom and on the pitch. My family and I are eager to serve Fairfield University and the entire Fairfield community.”

Witkowksi has big shoes to fill. He succeeds Carl Rees, who led the program for 28 seasons. He amassed 252 wins over his career and helmed a program best known for producing USMNT keeper Matt Turner.

Witkowski is one of several former Philadelphia Union and Union II players with head coaching jobs. James Chambers was recently named head coach of the Colorado Springs Switchbacks, Danny Cruz is the head coach of Louisville City, Eduardo Coudet is head coach of Sport Club Internacional in Brazil, Fred da Silva is the head coach of the Union Development Squad and Sebastien Le Toux is the head girls coach at Shipley School.