PORTLAND, Ore
. - Timbers goalkeeper Bayard Elfvin has been selected to join the U.S. Beach Soccer National Team for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup qualification round in Mexico, it was announced by U.S. Soccer. Elfvin will compete with the U.S. squad through Aug. 13.
Starting earlier this week, the qualification round is being held in Acapulco, Mexico. The FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup will take place in Brazil in November.
“It's a different experience to play on the sand,” said Elfvin. “But anytime you have the opportunity to represent your country it's a tremendous honor, and I look forward to helping the team qualify for the Beach Soccer World Cup later this year.”
Elfvin, who competed with the U.S. Beach Soccer National Team last season, is expected to miss the Timbers' matches on Thursday against Minnesota and Saturday against Vancouver. The four-year pro will be available for the Timbers next road match against the Minnesota Thunder on Aug. 16.
In two league matches this season, Elfvin has played 135 minutes, made five saves and allowed two goals. He recorded a shutout victory over the Bakersfield Brigade of the Premier Development League in the first round of the U.S. Open Cup in June. Last season, Elfvin made six appearances, recorded three shutouts and finished the year with a 0.89 goals-against average with Portland.
For more information on the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, visit
www.fifa.com
.
