Feb. 21, 2007

KUMAMOTO, Japan - Santa Clara University men's soccer captain Peter Lowry made his first appearance with the United States Under-23 national team on Wednesday, Feb. 21. Lowry started and played the full game in a 0-0 draw with Japan's Under-22 national team. More than 14,000 fans gathered at the KKWing Stadium for the Kirin Challenge Cup, the first match under new head coach Bob Bradley.

Playing in midfield, Lowry nearly scored a goal for the United States in the 35th minute, sending a long-range shot that sailed just over the crossbar. Lowry played in midfield alongside a number of professionals, including Quavas Kirk, Sacha Kljestan and Arturo Alvarez.

The U-23s will conclude their two-match tour on Friday night when they face local JFL side Rosso Kumamoto. Kickoff at KKWing Stadium is set for 7 p.m. local time (5 a.m. ET). The players will depart Japan on Saturday morning.

Lowry, a Fair Oaks, Calif. native, is one of four college players named to the roster. As a junior this past season, Lowry scored six goals and notched two assists to tie for the team lead in both goals and assists. He was named second-team All-WCC and also earned a spot on the NSCAA's All-Far West Region First Team. Lowry played half the season in central midfield before making the switch to forward, helping the Broncos reach the quarterfinals of the NCAA Tournament. His stellar play helped SCU put together a nine-game unbeaten streak and the team earned the No. 10 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

Lowry was previously a member of the U.S. Under-18 national team.