Crystal Dunn shines at soccer tourney

Rockville Centre native Crystal Dunn kicked her way to victory last week to secure a place for U.S. Women’s Soccer Team at the Olympics.

Dunn, 23, scored six goals total at the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCAF) tournament in Texas. In this tournament, the top two finishing teams get to go to the Olympics. The United States came in first place in a 2-0 win against Canada.

“I’ve been in a good place,” said Dunn. “The national team is so competitive. You have some good days, you have some bad days. It’s important for me to keep some good days and not overstress and enjoy the moment.”

Dunn also won the Golden Boot for scoring the most goals at the tournament — six total. “That was a pleasant surprise,” said Dunn. “It was super exciting to score that many goals. I couldn’t believe it.”

This included five in a match against Puerto Rico, which made up half of the U.S. team’s total 10 in that game. “In that game I was way more relaxed,” Dunn said.

Although Dunn has very good odds on going to Rio this summer, she does not know if she is on the Olympic team. “Well hopefully,” she said. “I mean a lot can happen… I just take it one day at a time, one [training] camp at a time.”

In the meantime, she’s looking forward to the upcoming season in April — which will be her third year with the Washington Spirit team in D.C. “I’m super excited for soccer this year and that’s soccer across the board,” she said. “I’m really excited for NWSL [National Women’s Soccer League] — another great season. It’s important for women’s’ soccer to have this league and to keep it going strong.”

When asked what advice she would give to aspiring soccer players, Dunn said that you have to have fun with the game, even through its ups and downs, such as playing in one game and not playing the next. “Enjoy what you’re doing – I think I played some of the best soccer that I could possibly play… You always have to happy. There were times when I was considering quitting — those are times where you have to really ask yourself [if it is worth it].”

Dunn certainly knew that adversity after she did not make the team for the 2015 World Cup. Although 2016 is shaping up to be her year — especially now that it may include a visit to the Olympics. “I think that everything that’s happening right now is a continuation from last year,” said Dunn. “I think my hard work has paid off.”