July 17, 2008

SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Recent Santa Clara alum and the 2007 Bronco women's soccer captain Brittany Klein led the U.S. Under-23 Women's National team to a 2008 Nordic Cup opening round victory, defeating Switzerland, 1-0, on July 15 in Borlange, Sweden. Klein scored the winning goal six minutes into the second half.

The goal came off a throw-in that forward India Trotter crossed to midfielder Tina DiMartino at the top right side of the penalty area. Faced with two defenders, DiMartino found Klein on her left and she bent the ball around the goalkeeper into the lower right corner. It was her first international goal for the U-23s.

"At times, we settled the ball and created good chances," said Klein according to a release from U.S. Soccer. "We just have to be able to finish those chances we get. There are some things we really need to work on for our next game to move forward in the tournament, but we made big improvements from the first half to the second half."

The US out-shot the Swiss by a 14-6 margin. Also starting for the U-23s against Switzerland were juniors Kiki Bosio and Katherine Reynolds. Reynolds made a key defensive play for the U.S. as she was able to clear off a shot by the Swiss' Maeva Sarrasin.

The Americans face England next on July 17 in Borlange and then will finish group play with Norway on July 19 in Famas. The USA must win its group to play in the championship game on July 21.