Duke men’s soccer signs Icelandic forward Thorleifur Ularfsson

DURHAM, N.C. — The Duke University men’s soccer program welcomes a new addition to the program as Icelandic native Thorleifur Ularfsson joins the Blue Devils for the spring portion of the 2020-21 campaign. Ularfsson, a forward, enrolled at Duke in January and is eligible to play immediately.

Ularfsson, hailing from Kopavogur, Iceland, comes to Duke after a long career with the club Breidablik, located a short distance south of Reykjavik. The 20-year-old striker most recently spent this past season on loan at Vikingur Olafsvik, which plays in the second tier in Iceland.

While playing with Vikingur Olafsvik, Ularfsson started four games and tallied a goal in a 3-2 victory over Magni. He played at least 65 minutes in every game and twice saw 88 minutes of action before being subbed off late.

A part of Breidablik since age six, Ularfsson earned a spot on the U23 squad from 2017-20, despite being just a teenager. During those three seasons, the 6-foot-1 forward helped the club earn runner-up finishes in the Pepsi-deild karla – Iceland’s top football league – all three seasons. He also helped Breidablik lift the cup in the summer of 2019.

Possessing a nose for the goal, the  Blue Devils will look to Ularfsson to bolster the scoring punch this spring. His quick and accurate strike will give Duke an extra dimension in the attacking third, which will also leave other Blue Devils the opportunity to take advantage of openings created by Ularfsson.

The Blue Devils open the 2021 spring portion of the season, Feb. 12, hosting Charlotte at 7 p.m.

Learn a little more about Thorleifur (Thor).

What made you choose Duke?

• The ability to combine both athletics and academics in such a prestigious institution was a great opportunity for me.

What three movies do you bring with you to a deserted island?

• The big short, Parasite and The Irishman.

What International Club do you follow?

• I’m a die-hard Man United fan.

Who is your favorite International player and why?

• CR7, simply the best footballer of all time.

Favorite memory from the 2016 European Championship when Iceland advanced to QFs?

• Just the feeling when the ref blew his whistle for full time and the whole nation went wild.

Meeting this person would leave you speechless?

• CR7 again!

What are the last three series or shows you’ve watched on Netflix?

• Peaky blinders, Black Mirror and The Last Dance

At this moment, what song would you choose as your hype or goal song?

• Young Thug – Surf (ft. Gunna)

Favorite home cooked meal?

• Literally anything my mom cooks is my favorite meal. But if I had to pick one it would have to be a beef tenderloin fillet.

If you weren’t playing soccer what sport would you play?

• 100% golf.