Nikki Serlenga's 63rd-minute goal gave the U.S. women's national team a 1-1 tie with Norway in Troms°, Norway, on July 27. Forward Marianne Pettersen had given the 1995 World Cup champion a 1-0 lead
over the current world champion with a strike in the third minute. The United States had never played in Norway before, despite the fact that Norway has a winning record (13-12-1) against the
Americans. U.S. coach April Heinrichs used an unconventional lineup to rest five starters -- Siri Mullinix, Mia Hamm, Kristine Lilly, Tiffeny Milbrett and Kate Sobrero, who is still suffering from
the concussion she suffered against Germany on July 22. Hamm, Lilly and Milbrett entered the game as substitutes. Heinrichs returned to the 4-4-2 formation, using Sara Whalen, normally an outside
midfielder or defender, up front with Cindy Parlow. U.S. goalkeeper Briana Scurry started in place of Mullinix and earned her 100th career cap.Veteran Norwegian defender Gro Espeseth, back in the
squad after a temporary retirement, also earned her 100th cap. Espeseth also earned the only yellow card of the game, in the 75th minute, for fouling Mia Hamm.
July 27 in Troms°, Norway
Norway 1 USA 1. Goals: Pettersen 3; Serlenga 63.
Norway -- Nordby, Espeseth (Kvitland, 76), Kringen, Sanduane, T°nnessen, S. Gulbrandsen (R. Gulbrandsen, 82), Knudsen (Mellgren, 55),
Riise, Lehn (Rapp, 46), Haugenes (Boe Jensen, 46), Pettersen.
USA -- Scurry, Pearce (Lilly, 46), Fawcett, Chastain, Slaton, MacMillan (Milbrett, 80), Fair, Serlenga, Foudy (Akers, 61),
Parlow (Hamm, 59th), Whalen.
Ref.: Katrina Elovirta (Finland).
Att.: 3,810.
