To be in the same professional league as your brothers

The three Carroll brothers played at West Springfield High School and for Division I programs before making it to MLS. Brian, 26, spent five years with D.C. United before being selected in the expansion draft by San Jose last winter He was subsequently traded to Columbus. Jeff, 24, is a reserve defender-midfielder for United currently sidelined with a foot injury. Pat, a 22-year-old rookie defender interviewed here, was not selected for United's game-day roster Thursday against Columbus at RFK Stadium.

This is where Brian began his career and now he has started anew in Columbus. We never played against each other because of our age differences. Brian and Jeff played in high school together and I played with Jeff. Brian went to Wake Forest, Jeff was at St. John's and I went to West Virginia, so Jeff and I saw each other in Big East games. Now that we're all in MLS, it's tough for our parents. I would say my mom tends to root for Brian just because he was the first boy and it's pretty much everything with Brian for her. My dad is probably leaning toward Jeff and me.

People say that there is an unspoken communication between siblings on the field, but we just know each other's tendencies and we know where to be and when to be there.

We never thought it would come to this. We are lucky enough to have it that way. It's always your dream growing up to make it as a professional. Now that it is a reality, it's a lot better. It's great for all us to be here in the league together.

When Brian first started in MLS and I was in school, I came to RFK with my family. I think we were in section 428 or 429 behind the goal. Whenever I had the chance, I was here for the games. Now I'm here as a player. It worked out for all of us.

-- Interview by Steven Goff