By Lizzy Snell
Media Intern
When Jordan and Chelsea Nelson came to SCHWAN’S USA CUP, presented by PUMA this year, they were not expecting to be able to meet one of their idols.
Leslie Osborne, a midfielder for the U.S. Women’s National soccer team spent Thursday afternoon at Schwan’s USA CUP, signing autographs and talking with athletes.
“It’s kinda cool,” said Jordan. “I haven’t met a real soccer player before.”
Her older sister agreed.
“Yeah I really like it,” said Chelsea. “I always watch the [U.S. National] team on T.V.”
The Nelson sisters play for one of the Dakota Rev soccer teams from Minnesota. The girls’ parents were also excited about Osborne’s appearance.
“We didn’t even know [Osborne] was coming until today,” said Cindy Nelson, the girls’ mother. “It’s really neat to hear her speak…I think she is a real inspiration to the girls.”
Left: Leslie Osborne autographs for fans at the PUMA World Store yesterday.
Osborne is originally from Brookfield, Wisconsin and played in the tournament herself when she was younger.
“I came because I played in it and it’s close to my heart,” Osborne said of her visit to Schwan’s USA CUP. “[The girl players] are lucky because not all tournaments – especially in the Midwest – can give you that international experience or have college coaches watch you.
It’s such an experience; meeting new people from different cultures, people who play different types and styles of soccer…you know coming into the tournament that it will be hard to win.”
Osborne added that she was amazed at how many different parts there were to Schwan’s USA CUP.
“The feel of the tournament is great,” she said. “I’ve only been here an hour and I’ve been in the puma store, you can try on different types of puma shoes, talk to so many people…it’s great.
Katie Verkuilen plays on the MLS Fusion girls’ U12 team and said she always looks forward to watching the U.S. Women’s National team play. Seeing Leslie Osborne sign autographs made her want to return to Schwan’s USA CUP one day – as a goalie for the National team.
“I think it’s really cool,” Verkuilen smiled. “I definitely want to come back and represent the U.S.”
Jennifer Verkuilen, Katie’s mother, said she thought Osborne’s appearance was great and that she did not remember Schwan’s USA CUP having celebrities make appearances.
“We’ve noticed a lot of changes this year,” she said. “This is definitely one of them. I think [Osborne] has really inspired the kids.”
Left: Leslie Osborne poses with local fans from the Burnsville Fire girls' team.
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