Three Broncos in national spotlight

By Cecile Nguyen

Former Santa Clara soccer stars Leslie Osborne, Aly Wagner and Marian Dalmy are part of the United States' Women's National Team, a squad that most recently earned third at the 2007 World Cup in China.

Toward the end of the tournament, each former Bronco played significant minutes for the national team.

Leslie Osborne '04

Osborne became a regular starter for the U.S. after her stellar performance against Sweden in this year's World Cup. She also started in games against England, Brazil and Norway.

"The best thing about being at the 2007 World Cup is finally being able to compete at the most prestigious tournament in the world," Osborne said in an e-mail from China.

The midfielder was crucial in games against Sweden, Nigeria and England, in which she successfully shut down England's leading scorer Kelly Smith and Swedish star Victory Svensson.

Santa Clara women's soccer Head Coach Jerry Smith recalls recruiting Osborne to Santa Clara after the 1999 season. "We recruited Leslie for her physical presence," said Smith. "Leslie is an absolutely great leader and is mentally tough."

While at Santa Clara, Osborne's toughness helped the Broncos to four winning seasons and an NCAA championship in 2001.

As a senior at Santa Clara, Osborne was awarded the NCAA's prestigious Honda Award as the nation's top female athlete. She was also the first player in the history of the West Coast Conference to be named both Defender of the Year and Player of the Year.

Aly Wagner '02

Like Osborne, Wagner was also highly recruited out of high school.

"Everyone, not just us, recognized her talent," said Smith.

Wagner was a regular member of the youth national team and led the squad to three consecutive championships. Wagner was also named the Gatorade National Player of the Year in 1998.

She led the Broncos in points during the 2001 season and scored the game-winning goal in the College Cup to bring home the NCAA championship.

Wagner was a finalist for the Herman Trophy as college soccer's top player during her sophomore and junior years, and finally won the award her senior year.

"Aly comes and practices with us sometimes," current senior forward Jordan Angeli said. "She's an amazing player, very talented and skillful. It was fun when she came out and played with us."

Though Wagner was injured, U.S. Head Coach Greg Ryan decided to keep her on the team.

"Aly is injured now and you never bring an injured player," said Smith. "She is valuable to the team. They brought her to the World Cup knowing she was injured."

Wagner made her World Cup debut in the bronze-medal game versus Norway, replacing suspended starter Shannon Boxx.

Marian Dalmy '06

Dalmy was one of the final three players chosen for the World Cup team, joining fellow Broncos Osborne and Wagner.

"Being on the team with Leslie and Aly is amazing, they really helped me adapt to the team," Dalmy said.

The 22 year-old is one of the youngest players on the team and has the least international experience.

"Being part of the women's national team at any age is a great honor," Dalmy added. "I am so lucky to only be 22 and getting to learn from the veteran players. I feel that it will help me to become a better player and person."

Dalmy made her World Cup debut in the semifinal game against Brazil when she subbed in for defender Kate Markgraf, who injured her ankle late in the second half.

With Markgraf's injury keeping her sidelined, Dalmy made her first-ever start for Team U.S.A. in the game against Norway.

"Standing out on the field knowing that you are playing for your country is an indescribable feeling," Dalmy said. "Overall, this has been an amazing experience."

Contact Cecile Nguyen at (408) 551-1918 or cnguygen5@scu.edu