Fair, Benson Selected to U.S. Roster

Philadelphia Charge midfielder Lorrie Fair and defender Jenny Benson were selected to the U.S. Women's National Team roster on Wednesday for the Four Nations Tournament that will begin on January 23 in China. Fair and Benson, both of whom helped the U.S. win the 2002 Gold Cup in November to clinch a spot in the 2003 World Cup, were two of 20 players selected to the team by U.S. coach April Heinrichs. The U.S. will leave tomorrow for China and open play next Thursday, January 23 against Norway.

The Americans will also play Germany on January 26 and China on January 29. All four teams have qualified for the 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup that begins in September.

Fair, who made her 106th appearance with the U.S. on Sunday in a 0-0 tie versus Japan, has made 65 starts for the Americans, recording seven goals and five assists. The 24-year-old was a 2002 WUSA All-Star, finishing the season with a career-high five assists.

Benson has made five appearances with the women's national team in her career, with four of those coming in the last year. While she was in training camp leading up to Sunday's game versus Japan, Benson was not in uniform for the Americans.

Benson, who will turn 25 years of age on January 25, recorded three assists in 19 games with the Charge in 2002 and has registered one assist with the U.S. WNT in her career. The defender was a finalist for the WUSA's 2002 Humanitarian of the Year Award, a Second Team All-WUSA selection and was named a starter for the WUSA All-Star Game.

The Charge begins its 2003 season on Saturday, April 5 in San Jose against Brandi Chastain and the CyberRays. Philadelphia makes its home debut on Saturday, May 3 at 7 p.m. versus Tiffeny Milbrett and the New York Power.

Tickets can be purchased by calling 215-467-GOAL or log on to PhiladelphiaCharge.com for up-to-date information on the team.