There has been hours of practice and team bonding put in by the United State Women’s National Team. Lots of stories shared by veterans like Crystal Dunn, the defender from the Portland Thorns playing in her Second FIFA Women’s World Cup.
All if it leading to today, Friday July 21 as the ladies play Vietnam in the first match in the quest for a three-peat, the match is going to be played at Eden Park in Auckland/Tāmaki Makaurau
Dunn has a very unique perspective that she brings to the table, as she first appeared for the United States national team during an international friendly against Scotland on February 13, 2013. Since that time, she has made more than 100 appearances with the squad.
Crystal a native of New Hyde Park has since gone on to play for multiple NWSL squads in addition to playing with Chelsea during the 2017-2018 season.
The most important role that Dunn plays though is that of a Mother, as her son Marcel Jean Soubrier has changed her life.
Dunn has this to say about being a Mom, “Being a Mom now I feel like I have gained such an incredible perspective that I would not have had before. I think I am way more present; I stay in the moment; I appreciate so many little things that I may not have noticed before.
Crystal continued by saying, “I am going to be able to see my son (Marcel) in the stands and wearing my jersey, and those are the little moments that are so special. He has made the trip here to New Zealand and I am excited to be able to play for him and be inspired every day to be the best I can be.”
Sitting in front of members of the media on Thursday Dunn along with first year USWNT star Lynn Williams shared some of their thoughts on the upcoming match.
Fans are encouraged to hear what Williams and Dunn have to say by clicking on the link seen below…video is compliments of U.S. Soccer/Veritone:
Williams is going to be one of the players to watch during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, as she has captured the imagination of fans everywhere with her stellar play with Gotham FC.
Lynn one of the feel-good stories in the NWSL as she came to New York after suffering a season-ending hamstring injury. With a new team in Gotham FC behind her, and with Gotham having a completely new culture Lynn thrived and is making a roaring comeback.
In her time with Gotham FC Williams thus far has scored six goals in 12 regular season games, including a team-leading four game winners and both of the team’s goals in the NWSL Challenge Cup.
Anytime Lynn touches the ball she is able to do something incredible and USWNT Head Coach Vlatko Andonovski hopes to lift the offensive efforts to another level during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup run.
As for Dunn, the defender has an impressive resume in her own way in addition to some of the accolades listed above Crysal also has shined in her time at North Carolina and with the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
Dunn having played with the Tar Heels during the 2010 -2013 season was awarded the 2012 Hermann Trophy for best college player. In addition, Crystal also helped to win the 2012 FIFA U-20 Women’s World cup in Japan.
All of the training and bonding has all led to this moment when today Friday, July 21 the USWNT takes on Vietnam in the first part of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
With there being a ton of watch parties planned all through New York and around the world fans of soccer can catch all the action between the USWNT and Vietnam starting at 9:00 p.m. with the match airing on the FOX Network.
For more information on the USWNT fans are encouraged to click on the link seen here:
USWNT | World Cup Champions | U.S. Soccer Official Site (ussoccer.com)