University of San Francisco Athletics

Erik “Super Sweeper” Nielsen was born on March 25, 1960 in Ski, Norway, and attended his local high school. He attended USF in the class of 1984, and graduated with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration, and a Master’s in Business in 1987.

He played halfback defender on the soccer team from 1980 to 1983, and earned NCAA Tournament MVP in 1980, All-American in 1981 and in 1982, and attended the All-Pacific Soccer Conference three times. As a freshman he scored 5 goals in 23 games to help the Dons to a 19-0-2 record. His junior year, he was a Finalist for the Hermann Award, given annually to the nation’s top collegiate player. Coach Negoesco said of him: “Nielsen is the most complete player in the college game today. He controls the defense like a general, consistently leading by example. He has such a high degree of skill, he makes all his teammates play better, especially the goal keeper, who usually becomes Nielsen’s best friend. When we need a goal or a lift, we look for Erik to take charge (USF Athletics).” His senior year, he suffered a season-ending injury. After graduation he spent seven years playing for various teams in California and in Norway.

After retirement from soccer, he was a Finance Manager for a number of international companies for 25 years. He began managing practice camps for soccer and he and his wife eventually opened their own. Camp El Planet SL is located in Costa Blanca, Spain which offers accommodations for groups who are cyclists, climbers, golfers, hikers, and for collegiate groups who play sports.