U.S. Midfielder Leslie Osborne Tears ACL

CHICAGO (May 25, 2008) -- U.S. Women’s National Team midfielder Leslie Osborne tore the anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee during training at The Home Depot Center, in Carson, Calif. on May 22 and is out of running for a spot on the 2008 Olympic Team.

Osborne, who has played 60 times for the USA, was a likely candidate for the USA’s 18-player roster for the 2008 Olympics. She scored her third career international goal on May 10 in a 6-0 win over Canada.

Osborne, who turns 25 on May 27, will have knee surgery within the week and will also undergo reconstructive ankle surgery about a month later to take care of some lingering issues.

“I’m going to get both surgeries done and my plan is to be back 100% for the new pro league,” said Osborne. “Hopefully, I’ll make a run for the next World Cup, and then one day get to play in an Olympics.”

Ironically, the U.S. women lost defender Heather Mitts to an ACL tear a year and 10 days before Osborne’s injury, ruling Mitts of the 2007 Women’s World Cup, but she has returned to play the USA’s last three matches and is contending for a spot on the Olympic Team.

Osborne will have about an 8-10 month period of rehabilitation.

“I’m obviously extremely disappointed that I won’t be playing in this Olympics, but I am most disappointed about not being able to be with my team,” said Osborne. “It has been an awesome experience this year and I know they can get it done in China. I will be their biggest fan.”