Of all the FOX soccer pundits this Women’s World Cup, the one that’s developed a cult following on Twitter this tournament is Leslie Osborne. Here’s a little more on her professional background:
From her Fox Sports bio:
Leslie Osborne, a retired United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) defensive midfielder and member of the 2007 FIFA Women’s World Cup™ team that reached the semifinals, shares her knowledge as a studio analyst after appearing on the network’s coverage of various women’s international friendlies, including the Algarve Cup, this year.
Here’s some examples of her punditry and analysis this World Cup:
Leslie Osborne on Alex Morgan getting into the game:
“There’s nothing like getting back in the game and getting game fit. She played 11 minutes; she had some great touches today, and even had a great left-footed shot.”
Lesile Osborne on Nigeria:
“This is the best Nigerian team I’ve seen play. They took their strengths and made Sweden look not very good today. I do think they are going to go far, however, they do not have the depth that the U.S. and France and Germany have. I think they will go farther than they have before, but they’re not winning the World Cup.”
Leslie Osborne says the USWNT won’t be distracted by the latest report on Solo:
“There’s no distraction there. The team and Hope figured out their stuff before they got to this tournament. There’s one thing on their mind and that is how they are going to win this World Cup. Being on the team with Hope before, in the 2007 World Cup, I’ve been on the team with her drama. You put it aside and you focus on one thing, and that is to perform at your best and win the World Cup.”
Leslie Osborne warns that not scoring more could hurt Norway in their group standings:
“Goal differential is crucial in this tournament, especially with Germany in your group and going into playing against Germany. Norway could have scored seven or eight goals, and they need those goals.”
USWNT Profile Series:
Christen Press
Abby Wambach
Julie Johnston
-World Cup On-Air talent profiles
Alexi Lalas
Heather Mitts
Leslie Osborne
Jenny Taft
Julie Stewart-Binks
Paul M. Banks owns, operates and writes The Sports Bank.net, which is partnered with Fox Sports Digital. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, currently contributes to the Chicago Tribune RedEye edition. He also appears regularly on numerous sports talk radio stations all across the country.
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