Midge Purce on Crystal Dunn (above): “Crystal, in my opinion is such a special player and person. I think she’s so deserving of that recognition.” (Andy Mead/YCJ Photo)
By Michael Lewis
FrontRowSoccer.com Editor
Crystal Dunn has enjoyed many accolades in her career.
Missouri Athletic Club Hermann Trophy winner.
National Women’s Soccer League MVP and scoring champion.
And a world championship with the U.S. women’s national team in 2019.
On Wednesday night, the Rockville Centre, N.Y. native will get receive honor, becoming the first woman of color on the USWNT to have a Tifo unveiled about her at an international match. The venue will be the new Austin FC stadium when the Americans meet Nigeria in the final game of the Summer Series (ESPN2, 9 p.m. ET).
“Oh, I mean, Crystal has been talking about it,” teammate Midge Purce said during a Zoom media conference Tuesday. ” She sits at my table and she’s like I’m on the Tifo and I said, I know.”
Purce then laughed and became serious.
“I am thrilled for her and for people of color and not of color to see that,” he continued. I think it’s amazing I think it’s amazing whenever you see anyone who doesn’t look like you on something and you’re like, ‘Oh wow, that’s really cool.’ And it’s amazing to see someone who does look like you. But I mean, Crystal, in my opinion is such a special player and person. I think she’s so deserving of that recognition. I’m so excited for her to have that moment and to be here and witness it and kind of share it with her.”
