Men’s Soccer: Former Buckeye Eric Brunner Named to U-23 National Team – Ohio State Buckeyes
5/16/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Dublin, Ohio, native becomes Buckeyes’ first national team member is now a candidate to represent the United States in 2008 Beijing Olympics
COLUMBUS, Ohio Defender Eric Brunner, a first-team All-American last fall when he helped lead the Ohio State men’s soccer team to the national championship game, has been named to the U.S. Under-23 National Team and is currently with the team in France at the Toulon International Tournament. The event runs until May 29 and includes up to five games, all of which will be televised live on the Fox Soccer Channel (see schedule below).
A native of Dublin, Ohio (Scioto High School), Brunner is the first Ohio State men’s soccer player to be chosen for a U.S. national team. In addition, the majority of the upcoming U.S. Olympic Team will be selected from the U-23 squad, giving Brunner a chance to also become the first from the OSU men’s soccer program to play in the Olympics.
“I got the call from Coach (Peter) Nowak and he said they wanted to take a closer look at me,” Brunner said Wednesday from New York where the team was assembling to fly to France. “This is an unbelievable opportunity and I couldn’t be more excited. I have talked with several of my teammates and we are just really focused on doing well over there and representing the United States.”
It marks the eighth time the United States has competed in the event and the first since 2001, when the Americans finished fifth. The U.S.’s highest finish came with a third-place effort in 1989. The complete release and U-23 roster can be found online at http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=534591&cc=5901.
“This is a prestigious tournament and Eric is looking forward to a great opportunity to be seen by European scouts and coaches, which might increase his chances of playing internationally,” John Bluem, Ohio State head coach, said. “We are very happy for Eric and are very proud of him. Just to be included in the pool of players for the United States Olympic team is an honor.”
A 6-foot, 4-inch central defender, Brunner was the 16th overall selection in the Major League Soccer SuperDraft in January by the New York Red Bulls.
The United States’ group in Toulon also includes Italy, Ivory Coast and Turkey. The second group includes Chile, France, Japan and the Netherlands.
United States at the Toulon International Tournament (all games on Fox Soccer Channel)
Wednesday, May 21 vs. Turkey
Friday, May 23 vs. Ivory Coast
Sunday, May 25 vs. Italy
Tuesday, May 27, Semifinals (if qualify)
Thursday, May 29, Finals (if qualify)
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