Former Duke University star and Massachusetts product Robbie Russell, 24, has finalized his transfer from modest Norwegian club Sogndal to Rosenborg, winner of the last 12 Norwegian league titles. The move means Russell could see European Champions League action, which begins for Rosenborg at the second-round preliminary stage July 28.
''We expect … Russell to fight for a first-team place straight away,'' said Rosenborg's sports director Rune Bratseth, whose team paid a $718,833 transfer fee for Russell. ''We wanted added competition in defense.''
Russell is expected to play at left back or as a defensive midfielder.
''When Robbie left Duke University he was determined to prove himself in Europe. Now he's especially excited to be joining one of the continent's elite clubs,'' says Russell's agent, Lyle Yorks, of Proactive Sports.
Russell was drafted by the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2001.
U.S. Abroad: weekend action
NORWAY
* Robbie Russell (Rosenborg, D1), at Brann, Sunday.
Season stats: 9 games, 2 goals.
* Brian West (Fredrikstad, D1), vs. Lillestrom, Sunday.
Season stats: 6 games, 2 goals.
* Adam Skumawitz (Aalesund, D2), vs. Moss, Sunday.
Season stats: 7 games, 0 goals.
SWEDEN
* Brian Dunseth (Bodens SK, D2), at Vasteras SK, July 18.
Thursday game: vs. Cafe Opera, Thursday, 1-1.
Started: 90 minutes.
League stats: 9 games, 0 goals.
* Steve Shak (Bodens SK, D2), at Vasteras SK, July 18.
Thursday game: vs. Cafe Opera, Thursday, 1-1.
DNP.
League stats: 4 games, 0 goals.
* Leighton O'Brien (Bodens SK, D2), at Vasteras SK, July 18
Thursday game: vs. Cafe Opera, 1-1.
Started: 24 minutes.
League stats: 9 games, 0 goals.