Former South Florida Women's Soccer Standout To Represent Norway In China's Four Nations Tournament

TAMPA, FL - Former University of South Florida women's soccer standout Siri Nordby will compete for Norway's Women's National Team in the Four Nations Tournament hosted by China, starting Thursday, Jan. 23 and running through Wednesday, Jan. 29.

Nordby has joined Norway's full national team for the first time ever in international competition and looks to earn her first "cap" in Thursday's match with the U.S.

The field for the round-robin tournament includes Norway, the United States, Germany, and the host, China. These four teams have not only qualified for the 2003 Women's World Cup (also to be played in China), but are all among the favorites to win the title.

Norway will open play with a match against the U.S., Thurs., Jan. 23, in Yiwu. The Norwegians are the only team in the world to boast a winning record against the U.S., with an all-time record of 16-14-2.

Interestingly, former USF teammate and fellow Norwegian Kristine Edner (1996-98) earned her first cap in last year's Four Nations Tournament, appearing in matches against China and Germany.

"It was clear to me that the determination and commitment that Siri brought to and developed here at USF would help her in playing at the next level," said USF head coach Logan Fleck, who coached Nordby from 1997-00.

"I'm not surprised about her opportunity to represent her national team. I am very happy and proud of her."

Nordby, a 2000 graduate, is USF's all-time leader in shots (252), goals (41), assists (28), points (110) and games started (70). Along with Edner, who now has four caps for the Norway women's team, and current Bull sophomores Rachel Thjomoe, Christine Koester and freshman Berna Breirem, Nordby is a product of the ROA club team from her hometown of Oslo.

Nordby is Fleck's third protégé to rise from USF Bull to national team status. In addition to Edner, Jeff Cunningham (1994-1997, when Fleck coached the USF men from 1994-1996) also achieved that distinction, having now earned seven caps for the U.S. Men's National Team since 2001.