Two Cavaliers Represented On National Teams This Summer

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CHARLOTTESVILLE – Virginia sophomore forward Brian Ownby (Glen Allen, Va.) and freshman forward Will Bates (Chester, Va.) competed with the United States Under-20 and Under-18 Men’s National Teams, respectively, this summer. Ownby was on the U-20 squad that played two international games as part of the Copa Ciudad de Rosario in Argentina, while Bates is part of the U-18 team that is competing in the prestigious Northern Ireland Milk Cup.

Ownby, an ACC All-Freshmen team selection in 2008 and the team’s third-leading scorer last season with five goals and four assists, was one of 17 players named to the U-20 roster. The United States defeated C.A. Tiro Federal, 2-0, on July 25, and Ownby got the starting nod. In its next game, the United States downed Uruguay in penalties on July 26.

Bates, meanwhile, was one of 18 players named to the U-18 team that is competing at the Milk Cup. The Milk Cup is an annual event that that includes club and international-level competition and it concludes on Aug. 1.

In the United States’ match vs. Denmark on July 27, Bates scored a goal in the 70th minute. Bates headed a cross on goal from 16 yards out and hit the post, but followed up his effort and hit the rebound into the net. The United States fell to Denmark, 2-1, and tied Germany 1-1 on July 29. The Milk Cup concludes Aug. 1 with the United States facing Israel.

Both Ownby and Bates played for the Richmond Strikers on the club level.

Virginia kicks off its 2009 with three preseason exhibitions: Aug. 21 vs. George Mason, Aug. 24 at Old Dominion and Aug. 29 vs. West Virginia, before the regular season begins Sept. 4 vs. Portland at the Nike Portland Invitational.