Q & A With Brian Ownby

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Brian Ownby, a freshman forward from Glen Allen, Va., recently checked in with VirginiaSports.com to talk about the upcoming men’s soccer season. UVa defeated Old Dominion last weekend in its final exhibition game and will host the Virginia Soccer Classic this weekend at Klckner Stadium. Virginia’s first opponent is St. John’s on Friday, Aug. 29 at 8 p.m., followed by a Sunday, Aug. 31 match-up against SMU at 8 p.m.

Question: Being a freshman, how was your first taste of college soccer during the teams’ two preseason exhibitions?
Ownby: It was pretty much what I expected. College soccer is faster, more hard-hitting and tougher than high school. And there is a lot more talent.

Question: What are your expectations of opening weekend vs. St. John’s and SMU?
Ownby: I’m really excited for the games and hopefully we can get a 2-0 start to the season. We are playing two of the top teams in the country in St. John’s and SMU so hopefully we can start strong and be successful.

Question: You scored two goals and had an assist in the Aug. 23 exhibition game against Old Dominion. How did it feel to play so well in your debut in front of the home crowd?
Ownby: Yeah, it was great to get started with two goals. It got me some confidence and I want to keep it going.

Question: What is the hardest part of being a freshman?
Ownby: Well we have to pick up the balls and carry the gear. So you come from being kind of the top dog’ back in high school to having to do some of that stuff.

Question: What are your personal goals for the season?
Ownby: I’m hoping to get some starts, score some goals and play in the NCAA Tournament.

Question: Classes started this week. Any ideas on what you want to major in?
Ownby: Not yet, but anthropology and astronomy are two classes I’m really interested in.

Question: You are one of nine freshmen on this year’s squad, how is the team chemistry?
Ownby: So far it has been great. We get along great.

Question: You are from the Richmond area, what does it mean to you to be playing soccer at UVa?
Ownby: When I was younger, I used to come and watch Adam Cristman play so to be actually on the same field as he played on feels great and is an honor.

Question: How did it feel the first time you played in front of the Klckner Stadium crowd?
Ownby: Amazing. I looked up at the crowd and it was just awesome.