July 10, 2008

AUBURN, Ala. - Auburn soccer signee Katy Frierson was one of 18 players named to the U.S. Under-23 National Team that will travel to Falun, Sweden, on July 11 for the 2008 Nordic Cup tournament, being held from July 15-21, it was announced by U-23 Coach Bill Irwin on Wednesday.

Frierson, who will be a freshman at Auburn this fall, is the youngest player on the roster and is the only player from a SEC team to be selected to the team.

"This is a huge honor for Katy," Auburn Head Coach Karen Hoppa said. "To be one of 18 selected to play on this team is a testament to the level of player that Katy is. The list of players chosen to the team represents some of the best in college soccer and I am so happy to have Katy representing Auburn on such a prestigious stage."

Frierson, from Homewood, was one of seven midfielders selected to the team and is the only player yet to play a collegiate season.

After winning its first Nordic Cup in 1997, the USA has won an amazing nine out of the last 11 Nordic Cups including seven in a row from 1999-2005.

The Nordic Cup features eight teams and two groups followed by placement matches. The USA was drawn into Group B, where it will face Switzerland, England and Norway. Group A features host Sweden, Germany, Finland and the full National Team of Scotland.

The roster features six players who helped the USA win last year's Nordic Cup in Finland.

"We have players who have won the Nordic Cup and played in Youth World Championships," said Irwin. "We've had some excellent international matches this year leading into this tournament and some success against European teams, but we will look to the experienced players to lead this team in Sweden. We are expecting mature and consistent performances from our team with four matches in seven days."

Irwin's squad has gone 4-1-1 in international matches in 2008, all against European countries.

"As always, playing with the U-23s and traveling to the Nordic Cup is a chance for these players to show that they have the talent to make the jump to the full team," said Irwin. "With the new pro league on the horizon and the next Women's World Cup three years away, this tournament is extremely valuable for these players."

For more information on the team, go to www.ussoccer.com.