Crystal Dunn brings home her first Olympic gold medal
Rockville Centre native Crystal Dunn took home her first Olympic gold medal in Paris on Saturday, following the United States Women’s National Soccer Team’s thrilling 1-0 victory against Brazil.
She previously won the bronze medal at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, which due to the pandemic did not take place until August 2021 and was the only American soccer player to start in all six matches.
Dunn, now 32, might be considered as one of the national team’s veteran players, however, she continues to be a vital asset as a critical playmaker and one of the lead defenders in the world.
Team USA dominated the competition in Paris, going undefeated through all three group matches to advance to the tournament's elimination round.
Things quickly intensified during the quarterfinals against Japan. Tied 0-0 after the full 90 minutes of regulation time, Dunn made a long pass downfield to forward Trinity Rodman for a goal, to win 1-0 in extra time and advance to the semifinals against Germany.
Sophia Smith, one of Dunn’s former teammates on the Portland Thorns FC, who scored a pair of goals against Germany during group play, went on to score the game-winner in another 1-0 nailbiter against the Germans to advance to the finals against Brazil.
The Parc du Princes stadium in Paris was brimming with excitement on Saturday, Aug. 10, as these two historic rivals walked onto the field for a shot at Olympic gold.
Showing determination from the start, Brazil had scoring opportunities. Only 16 minutes into the first half, it seemed like the team had the upper-hand, as Brazilian forward Ludmila da Silva sent one flying past goaltender Alyssa Naeher. But the excitement was short-lived as it was ruled offside.
Naeher would make several amazing stops to keep her team in contention as the Brazilian offense continued to drive the ball towards the net.
Scoreless at the half, things quickly shifted in Team USA’s favor as Mallory Swanson made a daring rush towards the net to give Team USA a 1-0 lead and win the team its first gold medal in 12 years.
“I always believe this team can do absolutely anything,” Dunn said in her interview with the Times. “If we are at our best, if we are clicking, if all things are firing on all cylinders, I truly believe this team can be unstoppable, but it’s not easy. It’s about showing up every day and really believing in the system and believing in the players.”
Before she would become a global soccer phenomenon, Dunn led the South Side High School Lady Cyclones to three New York state championships in 2006, 2007 and 2009 — amassing an impressive 46 goals and 35 assists. She was also the team’s captain through all three seasons, during which she only lost two games. One of the most notable moments of her high school career took place during the 2009 state championship, where she managed to net a hat trick within the first 20 minutes of the match.
Dunn went on to attend the University of North Carolina where she would lead the Tarheels to their 21st NCAA championship, before deciding to turn pro. She was selected first overall by the Washington Spirit during the 2014 National Women’s Soccer League draft. Throughout her professional career, she has played for the Washington Spirit, the North Carolina Courage, the Portland Thorns, and NJ/NY Gotham FC.
Dunn made her first Olympic appearance at the 2016 games in Rio de Janeiro , where the United States Women’s National Soccer team placed fifth after being knocked out in the elimination round by Sweden.
In the years that followed, she continued to sharpen her skills to become a more versatile and strategic soccer player. Making the switch from midfield to defense, Dunn carved out an essential role for herself on the national team, and in 2019 helped lead the U.S. to its second consecutive FIFA Women’s World Cup victory.
In response to news of Team USA’s victory on Saturday, national and local leaders shared messages on social media to congratulate the team on its achievement.
