August 4, 1997
Notre Dame Defense Leads U.S. to Nordic Cup Win
RINGSTED, Denmark -- The United States under-20 women's national
team used strong defense by three Notre Dame players for a 3-0 opening-game
win over Sweden in the five-day, eight-country Nordic Cup. After a
scoreless first half, the U.S. scored two goals in the first five minutes
of the second half and used the strong defense to hold on for the win. The
U.S. will play Iceland on Tuesday in Naestved, Denmark, in its second game
of the tournament.
The eight competing teams are divided into two groups of four, with
first-round play consisting of matches within the group. The group winners
will then play for the championship, the second-place teams will play for
third place, the third-place finishers for fifth and the fourth-place teams
for seventh.
Notre Dame sophomore goalkeeper LaKeysia Beene (Gold River, Calif.)
shut out the Swedes, making five saves while starting and playing in the
entire game. Sweden was held to just nine shots, thanks to Notre Dame
defenders Jen Grubb (Hoffman Estates, Ill.) and Kate Sobrero (Bloomfield
Hills, Mich.). U.S. head coach Lauren Gregg praised the defense that
"neutralized their attack and really helped us find a rhythm and maintain
possession."
Notre Dame sophomore forward Jenny Streiffer (Baton Rouge, La.)
freshman forward Meotis Erikson (Kennewick, Wash.) also contributed to the
win with their second-half play.
Nordic Cup Standings
Group A
W L T Pts.
Norway 1 0 0 3
Germany 1 0 0 3
Finland 0 1 0 0
Netherlands 0 1 0 0
Group B
W L T Pts.
USA 1 0 0 3
Denmark 1 0 0 3
Sweden 0 1 0 0
Netherlands 0 1 0 0
