RIO DE JANEIRO
– Goalkeeper
Bayard Elfvin
, a member of the 2007 Portland Timbers, and two others from United Soccer Leagues begin their campaign with the U.S. National Beach Soccer Team at the 2007 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup on Friday.
The United States is one of 16 countries competing in the 2007 FIFA Beach World Cup and opens group play against Spain on Friday, Nov. 2. The United States’ group schedule includes Iran on Nov. 4 (Galavision) and Portugal on Nov. 6 (ESPN2). The tournament continues with the quarterfinals Nov. 8, semifinals Nov. 10 and the championship and third place games on Nov. 11.
Elfvin helped the United States win the CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championship in Alcapulco, Mexico, in August with a 5-4 win over Mexico. The team then defeated Uruguay, the reigning South American champions, 4-3 in a friendly two days later.
With the Timbers in 2007, Elfvin played in two matches totaling 135 minutes. He recorded four saves and a 1.33 goals-against average. In the 2007 U.S. Open Cup tournament, Elfvin helped the Timbers advance to the second round with a shutout performance against the Bakersfield Brigade of the USL Premier Development League.
Two former Timbers,
Yuri Morales
(2006) and
Ronnie Silva
(2006), are also members of the U.S. Beach Soccer National team competing for the 2007 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup title.
Follow the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup at
www.fifa.com/beachsoccerworldcup/index.html
.
