Crystal Dunn enjoyed a champions year in 2019. (Michael Chow-USA TODAY Sports)
One major championship would be enough for most players.
Crystal Dunn added to more precious medals to her burgeoning collection in 2019, as she played vital roles for two championship side in the Women’s World Cup and the National Women’s Soccer League.
Well, the Rockville Centre, N.Y. native can add another honor to her resume — as the FrontRowSoccer.com women’s professional player of the year. Players from the metropolitan area or teams from the region are eligible for the award.
Dunn enjoyed a whirlwind year as she played left back for the U.S. women’s national team, taking on and shutting done some of the most dangerous forwards in the world at the World Cup in France last summer.
Perhaps her most memorable performance was her duel with French forward Kadidiatou Diani in the quarterfinal, a 2-1 victory by the U.S. on June 28.
Dunn, who honed her soccer skills with the Rockville Centre Tornadoes and the Albertson Soccer Club in the Long Island Junior Soccer League, returned to her club team and helped the North Carolina Courage to yet another championship — the NWSL crown.
She also returned to a more natural attacking position as the Courage established itself as a women’s soccer dynasty by winning its third championship in four seasons. North Carolina defeated the Chicago Red Stars, 4-0, in the final as Dunn recorded a goal. She was named to the NWSL Second XI.
For the season, the 26-year-old Dunn tallied nine goals and four assists in 1,181 minutes over 15 games.
If you think if Dunn is finish with pursuing international glory, then think again. She was invited to the USWNT January camp as the squad prepares for Concacaf qualifying for this summer’s Tokyo Olympics.
