New England Soccer Today

Breakers To Retire Osborne’s #12

Photo credit: Chris Aduama/aduamaphotography.com

Photo credit: Chris Aduama/aduamaphotography.com

Former Breakers midfielder Leslie Osborne will have her no. 12 retired by the club during halftime of its May 22 match against Sky Blue FC at Soldiers Field Soccer Stadium.

Osborne played in 51 games for the Breakers from 2010-12, and served as club captain in each of her three season in Boston. She will also have her name added to the Breakers’ Pillars of Excellence during the halftime ceremony.

“I will never forget my time in Boston, and I am forever grateful for all of the owners who helped allow me the opportunity to play professionally there,” Osborne said in a club release on Thursday. “To have my number retired by Boston and be next to Kristine Lilly, Angela Hucles, and Maren Meinert is an incredible honor. Playing for Boston was really, really special. It was the best decision in my career.”

Osborne played a total of 70 games in the now-defunct WPS, which folded prior to the start of the 2012 season. At the National Team level, she was capped 61 times and played in the 2007 Women’s World Cup. She retired from professional soccer in prior to the start of the 2014 NWSL season.

During her time in Boston, Osborne was known for her work within the community, and was often participated in the Breakers’ charitable events in the city.

“Coming into the Breakers, I had only heard great things about Leslie as a role model, ambassador for the Boston Breakers, along with her constant public promotion of the women’s game,” Breakers general manager Lee Billiard said in a club release on Thursday. “Seeing her as a player, I got to witness her fantastic ability and a level of intensity that was unmatched.

“I am honored to have worked with Leslie and even more so to present her with this deserving recognition on behalf of the Breakers organization.”

Osborne will be the fourth player included in the club’s Pillars of Excellence program, joining Kristine Lilly, Maren Meinert, and Angela Hucles.

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