Hall of Fame
Center Half
Two-time All-American, 1977 and 1978
NCAA MVP, 1978
All-Far West Selection, 1977 and 1978
USF Career Years: 1975-1978
Birthdate: May 24, 1954
Hometown: Bergen, Norway
Bjørn Dahl was born on May 24, 1954 in Bergen Norway. He played soccer for USF from 1975 to 1978 along with fellow Dons teammates Roar Andersen and Bjørn Tronstad whom he knew from his hometown. He joined the Dons having already achieved a high school championship in Norway, and had played on the Norway Junior National Team. At 6’ 3”, 150 lbs., he played center-half. Known for his positive attitude and strength, he was able to kick the ball 60 yards. He played 22 games as a freshman, and at the end of that season, his Head Coach Negoesco said of Dahl, "I can't see any player that would even touch him at his position."
Entering the 1976 season the Dons were ranked No. 1 in the nation, but had a rocky start before achieving 18 consecutive victories to win the Pacific Soccer Conference Crown. The Dons then went on to their second consecutive NCAA title, and Dahl was named defensive MVP.
In 1977, the team had a perfect 5-0-0 in Conference play. Dahl was named Conference MVP and All-American. Following the automatic NCAA berth, the team found themselves in a bruising semifinal game against a tenacious Southern Illinois team. While the Dons won 2-1 in overtime, Dahl left the field and spent the night in the hospital due to injuries. The team lost the final game 1-2 to Hartwick due to a controversial call.
In 1978, the team bounced back with a 28-1-0 record. Following USF's 2-0 win over Indiana in the NCAA Title game, Dahl was selected MVP. The Indiana coach credited Dahl's play as a key factor in the win. He was named All-American for the second consecutive year.
Following graduation in 1978, Dahl continued at USF as an Assistant Soccer Coach while working on his Master's degree. He also played for the California Surf of the NASL, the Los Angeles Skyhawks and the Golden Gales of the ASL from 1979-1980.
In 1981, Dahl returned to Norway where he played for S.K. Brann, one of Norway's leading club teams from 2003 to 2009. He played a total of 85 League games, and scored ten goals between 1972 and 1983. After he retired from football, he served as Managing Director of Brann from 2000 to 2010. After he resigned from Brann, he went into business.
