Soccer play-by-play announcer Ian Darke will work alongside Julie Foudy as the lead commentators for ESPN’s coverage of the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup (June 26-July 17).
The other two match commentator teams will be announced at a later date. Darke makes his ESPN Women’s World Cup debut after he joined the network full-time last September.
“Ian’s experience as one of the best English-language soccer commentators, and Julie’s insight and history with the Women’s World Cup having played in four straight tournaments, make this an ideal pairing for the event,” said Jed Drake, ESPN senior vice president and executive producer, production.
Darke and Foudy will make their Women’s World Cup debut on Sunday, June 26, at 11:30 a.m. ET, with the event’s opening match – host nation Germany vs. Canada – on ESPN, ESPN3.com and ESPN Mobile TV, from the Berlin Olympiastadion.