Courtesy: VirginiaSports.com Men's Soccer Signs Five

CHARLOTTESVILLE – Virginia head coach George Gelnovatch announced the signing of Christopher Agorsor, Shawn Barry, Hunter Jumper, Brian Ownby and Howard Turk to National Letters of Intent to play soccer for the Cavaliers beginning in the 2008-09 school year. Included in the class are four high school All-Americans, five US Youth National Team members and the National High School Player of the Year.

“We are very excited about this class and the overall talent and athleticism of the group,” Gelnovatch said.

Christopher Agorsor (Severn, Md. / McDonough), a 5-9 forward, comes to Virginia after being named the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) National High School Player of the Year. A member of the United States U-20 National Team, Agorsor was also named the Gatorade Player of the Year and the state of Maryland’s player of the year.

“Chris has unbelievable speed, and athleticism,” Gelnovatch said. “Another thing that attracted me to Chris were his leadership qualities.”

Shawn Barry (Miramar, Fla. / American Heritage), a 6-0 defender, was a 2007 All-America selection by the NSCAA and was the Miami Herald’s High School Player of the Year. A first team Broward County selection, Barry starred for the two-time state champion American Heritage High School and was a member of the U-18 National Team.

“Shawn is another gifted athlete. With his size and athleticism, we took care of some needs in the backfield,” Gelnovatch said.

Hunter Jumper (Plano, Texas / Green Hill School), a 6-2 defender, played with both the U-17 and U-19 National Teams and was named an NSCAA All-American in 2007. An adidas ESP team member, Jumper scored 125 goals and tallied 215 assists in a decorated career with Solar soccer club out of Texas.

“Hunter is left-footed and takes care of a need in the back on the left side,” Gelnovatch said. “Again, with this group we have really added some impressive athletes that will continue to help us be successful in the future.”

Brian Ownby (Glen Allen, Va. / Deep Run), a 6-0 forward, earned several accolades during his high school career including: district player of the year, first team all-state and his team’s most valuable player. A member of the U-18 national team that competed in Lisbon, Ownby was also an alternate for the U-17 30-man roster for the World Cup.

“Brian is an in-state product and it’s always exciting for us to be able to get the best players out of the state of Virginia,” Gelnovatch said. “We were very impressed by Brian’s ability to dribble at players and take them on one vs. one, as well as his athleticism and speed.”

Howard Turk (Falls Church, Va. / Flint), a 6-1 defender, was also named an All-American as well as a first team all-state team member. A member of the U-17 and U-18 national teams, Turk was a three-time all-conference selection in Virginia.

“Howard is another top national prospect out of Virginia. His size and strength really stood out to us, and he will help us in the back in that regard,” Gelnovatch said.

“We’re going to be a young team next year, and how quickly these players can get integrated and become leaders themselves will be important to our success.”