Reading United fans may have noticed the absence of Brian Ownby in the team’s 5-1 victory of the Central Jersey Spartans. Ownby, along with Reading and University of Virginia teammate Will Bates, is currently on a 10-day trial with Swedish team Mjällby. Mjällby plays in Sweden’s first division, the Allsvenskan, and currently sits in thirteenth place in the standings. Through ten matches they have scored only eight times and may be hoping Ownby and Bates can bring the one-two punch that has made the attack of Reading and Virginia so successful.

Rising senior Brian Ownby has contributed 3 goals and 3 assists in only three games for Reading this season. The former USMNT U-18 player was all also named to the all ACC First Team this past season. A native of Glen Allen, Virginia, Ownby has scored 15 goals to go along with 8 assists during his three years at the University of Virginia.

Will Bates has started 38 games at the University of Virginia going into his junior year while being named the National Freshman of the Year by Soccer America in 2009. Bates, a native of Chester, Virginia, has scored 20 goals and contributed 5 assists in two years at the University of Virginia. In Reading action, Bates has added 6 goals and 1 assist in only 5 games, making him tied for seventh in the PDL in points per game.

Reading United returns to action tonight at Exeter’s Don Thomas Stadium. United will face division rival the Long Island Rough Riders, who currently occupy second place in the division behind Reading. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30pm. Reading will be wearing pink jerseys in support of cancer awareness night, and the jersey’s can be purchased during the game through a silent auction. Former Reading players Taylor Seitzinger and Archie Moylan are also being honored and proceeds from the game will be donated to charity.