Norway 2, United States 1

BOCA RATON, Fla. (AP) -- Winning isn't important, at least not yet, for new U.S. women's soccer coach April Heinrichs. For the second time in four days, Heinrichs fielded a lineup more geared

Thursday, February 10th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

BOCA RATON, Fla. (AP) -- Winning isn't important, at least not yet, for new U.S. women's soccer coach April Heinrichs. For the second time in four days, Heinrichs fielded a lineup more geared to youth than experience in a match against Norway. And for the second time, the result was the same -- a loss.

Norway beat the U.S. women's team 2-1 Wednesday to send the Americans to consecutive home losses for the first time since 1992. On Saturday, Norway won 3-2 at Fort Lauderdale. But, more important than the result for Heinrichs was introducing new players. She used 25 players over the two games, including 10 who didn't play in last summer's Women's World Cup. "Obviously, we want to win every time we go out there," said defender Carla Overbeck, who came out at half time. "But I think this is something she has to do. She's coached a lot of these younger players before and it's great to get them experience against a team like Norway to see if they can play at this level."

Norway fell behind in the 13th minute when Christie Welsh scored, connecting off a chip pass from Jena Kluegel, who took across from Shannon MacMillan. Marianne Petterson tied it three minutes later, beating goalkeeper Briana Scurry from 10 yards out on a breakaway.

Hege Riise put Norway ahead six minutes into the second half, taking a pass from Bente Kvitland, who was near the center circle, and catching the U.S. defense flat in the 6-yard box. "I was disappointed that we gave up that goal so early in the second half," Heinrichs said. "That's something we need to talk about."

Heinrichs, now 0-2, used a lineup that included nine players who did not start Sunday. Mia Hamm, Brandi Chastain, Julie Foudy and Kristine Lilly did not dress, and Heinrichs started four players 20 years old and younger.

Among the U.S. players who saw action were 17-year-olds Nandi Pryce and Alyssa Ramsey. "Some of them are really worth giving more playing time and experience," Heinrichs said. "There's one or two where this might not be their year. But, we're not through with the evaluation process."

Wednesday's game at Florida Atlantic University was not open to the public, although about 100 fans, mostly students, did attend. Norway, which won the Women's World Cup in 1995, improved to 13-10-1 against the United States, the world champion in 1991 and 1999.

The atmosphere for Wednesday's match was nothing like Sunday's festive setting at Lockhart Stadium. The roar of engines from bulldozers, dump trucks and commuter planes near the FAU field madefor a noisy setting more befitting of a recreation league scrimmage. The Americans, who also lost consecutive home games to Norway eight years ago, are preparing for the defense of their Olympic gold medal in September. Veteran U.S. players returned last week after boycotting three games in a wage dispute.