The Rise of Brian Ownby: From College Soccer Star to MLS Player
Soccer is a sport that requires not just talent, but also dedication and hard work to succeed. Even more so for those who aspire to play professionally in the major leagues. For Brian Ownby, his journey to becoming a professional soccer player in Major League Soccer (MLS) has been filled with ups and downs, but his unwavering determination, drive and passion never faltered. In this blog post, we will delve into the story of the sensational rise of Brian Ownby, from his college soccer days to his professional career in MLS.
The Early Years
Brian Ownby was born in Richmond, Virginia on May 3, 1990. His love for soccer had begun from a very young age, and he went on to play for various youth teams and schools in the Richmond area. He attended Monacan High School where he played for the school’s team. He further pursued his passion by joining the famous soccer club, Richmond Kickers and played for the team in the USL Premier Development League.
College Soccer Career
After graduating from high school, Ownby enrolled at the University of Virginia where he played soccer for the Virginia Cavaliers. His outstanding performances on the field quickly caught the attention of the soccer community. He was named to the ACC All-Freshman Team in 2008 and All-ACC First Team in 2010. In 2009, he helped his college team reach the NCAA Championship game where they lost to the University of Akron. Ownby finished his college career with 20 goals and 20 assists.
Joining the Houston Dynamo
In 2012, Brian Ownby was drafted by the Houston Dynamo in the second round of MLS SuperDraft. He made his debut for the team in an Interleague friendly against the San Jose Earthquakes, where he helped to set up the first goal of the match. However, his progress at the club was not encouraging, as he only played in four games. After the 2013 season, the Houston Dynamo traded Ownby to the Richmond Kickers.
Richmond Kickers and Louisville City FC
Back at his hometown club, Richmond Kickers, Ownby’s career started to blossom, and he became the star of the team. He scored eight goals and helped the team to win the USL Championship in 2013. He continued to play for the Kickers for two more seasons, before joining Louisville City FC in 2015. At Louisville City, Ownby was an integral part of the team that won back-to-back USL Championship titles in 2017 and 2018. He was named MVP of the USL Championship final in 2017.
Second Stint at Houston Dynamo
In 2018, Ownby was signed by Houston Dynamo for the second time. This time around, he was more prepared and ready to make a name for himself in the league. He played in 28 games, starting in 14 of them, and recorded two assists. He also helped the team to reach the Western Conference Semi-finals in 2019.
Current Status
Brian Ownby currently plays for Louisville City FC in the USL Championship. He has been instrumental in helping them to reach the playoffs every year since he joined the team in 2015. His performances have caught the attention of MLS clubs, and there are rumors that he might be returning to the league very soon.
FAQs
Q1. What are some of Brian Ownby’s achievements?
A1. Brian Ownby has won the USL Championship 3 times with 2 different clubs. He was named the MVP of the USL Championship final in 2017.
Q2. Which team did Brian Ownby play for when he won the USL Championship for the first time?
A2. Brian Ownby won the USL Championship with the Richmond Kickers in 2013.
Q3. Which college soccer team did Brian Ownby play for?
A3. Brian Ownby played for the University of Virginia soccer team.
Q4. Which MLS team drafted Brian Ownby?
A4. Brian Ownby was drafted by the Houston Dynamo in the second round of the MLS SuperDraft.
Q5. Where is Brian Ownby currently playing?
A5. Brian Ownby currently plays for Louisville City FC in the USL Championship.
Q6. How many goals did Brian Ownby score in his college soccer career?
A6. Brian Ownby scored 20 goals in his college soccer career.
Q7. Has Brian Ownby played for the US national team?
A7. Brian Ownby has not played for the US national team yet.
Conclusion
Brian Ownby’s journey to becoming a professional soccer player in MLS has not been an easy one. He had to overcome challenges and work hard to climb up the ranks. His passion for the sport, though, never faltered and he always gave his best on the field. Brian’s story is an inspiration to all aspiring soccer players out there who want to make it big in the sport. Let us all continue to follow his journey and hope that he continues to rise and shine in the years to come.