Summary List Placement
Crystal Dunn is a world-class defender by any standard.
And on Sunday, the part-time outside back put that defensive prowess on full display.
Forward Christen Press put the US Women’s National Team up early in their match against Brazil — the team’s second of three games in the 2021 SheBelieves Cup. But the green and yellow were quick on the counter, swiftly breaking down the USWNT’s midfield and penetrating the back line to give Brazil’s Ludmila a one-on-one with goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher.
That is, until Dunn saved the day.
The newly-minted Portland Thorns star brilliantly chased down the Brazilian striker from 20 yards out and slid in front of the ball just in time to block Ludmila’s close-range shot. The play had USWNT fans and analysts alike lauding Dunn’s abilities on the defensive end, which are all the more impressive considering she is naturally an attacker.
Wow sure must be nice to have Crystal Dunn playing on your soccer team
— Claire Watkins (@ScoutRipley) February 21, 2021
Crystal Dunn’s heat map vs Brazil pic.twitter.com/Rwcia1F7OS
— k (@capsauerbrunn) February 21, 2021
You think Crystal Dunn is ever in the middle of a game like, “I guess I’ll just do everything then!” 😂#USWNT #SheBelievesCup
— Caitlin Murray (@caitlinmurr) February 21, 2021
never forget that crystal dunn is a part-time fullback who’s so much better than so many full-time fullbacks https://t.co/wDBD8XI8FF
— defund the police (@not_carlisle) February 21, 2021
I know Crystal Dunn wants to play offense, and she’s really good at offense. But holy shit, that was an absolutely incredible, highlight-reel of a block
— Molly Hensley-Clancy (@mollyhc) February 21, 2021
uswnt would be nothing without crystal dunn NOTHING
— meg (@frawnts) February 21, 2021
Crystal Dunn craves the opportunity to play in attack for the United States, but that block was a next level read. A player cursed only by her own excellence and versatility
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) February 21, 2021
Crystal Dunn will score your goals, get your assists *and* make unreal tackles.
She. Will. Do. It. All. 👑
— The American Outlaws (@AmericanOutlaws) February 21, 2021
CRYSTAL. DUNN. MY. GOODNESS. #SheBelievesCup pic.twitter.com/4ccbF9n4My
— Gal Pal Sports (@GalPalSports) February 21, 2021
Crystal Dunn appreciation tweet
— Gaby Kirschner* (@gabykirschner) February 21, 2021
Debinha showing her class once again — as is Crystal Dunn. That isn’t *just* a blocked shot. Dunn is the left back sliding all the way right there to deny a clear shot after a big defensive breakdown.
Courage teammate on former Courage teammate on former Courage teammate there.
— Jeff Kassouf (@JeffKassouf) February 21, 2021
Check out the full clip of Dunn’s incredible block below:
.@Cdunn19 on the spot 😤 pic.twitter.com/2UwZCQDUUY
— U.S. Soccer WNT (@USWNT) February 21, 2021
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