Crystal Dunn was not included in the USWNT roster announced this week for the upcoming friendlies against Australia. On Thursday, it became clear why.
Dunn, one of the most versatile footballers in the world, is adding a new position to her repertoire. In addition to playing fullback, midfielder and forward for her club and national team — and a chicken and cat mom off the pitch — she’ll soon become a human mom.
The blessing of them all: we are excited and happy to be adding a new member to our family in 2022!
✨✨Photo cred:@KP_KaylaMarie pic.twitter.com/m0mXyJQ3OT— Crystal Dunn | Soubrier | (@Cdunn19) November 11, 2021
Dunn, 29, made the announcement alongside her husband Pierre Soubrier, with the expected due date of May 2022. Dunn will become the latest USWNT player to bring a child into the world, after the likes of Alex Morgan and Ashlyn Harris/Ali Krieger.
The announcement post alluded to Dunn’s five chickens and three cats, who will have to get used to no longer being the center of attention in the Dunn-Soubrier household.
We are almost one big happy family! pic.twitter.com/delzuHT7Xi
— Crystal Dunn | Soubrier | (@Cdunn19) March 24, 2021
Squad. ✨✨ pic.twitter.com/VdmU6BHihS
— Crystal Dunn | Soubrier | (@Cdunn19) June 1, 2021
Dunn is one of the most accomplished athletes in the world. She’s won titles at the NCAA, NWSL and World Cup levels, plus an Olympic bronze medal. The 2012 Hermann Trophy winner was named NWSL MVP in 2015, the same year she won the Golden Boot. At the national team level, she often plays left fullback, showing adaptability that will be useful as a mother.
Dunn began her career with the Washington Spirit, spent a season overseas with Chelsea, won two titles with the N.C. Courage and moved to Portland last year to be closer to her husband, who happens to be the Thorns’ head athletic trainer.
After opting out of the USWNT’s October friendlies against South Korea, Dunn’s last match came on Oct. 17 with the Thorns. It’s unclear if she’ll play in the NWSL playoffs; top-seeded Portland is in the semifinals against the Chicago Red Stars on Sunday, with the NWSL Championship scheduled for Nov. 20 against either the OL Reign or Washington Spirit.
