USWNT’s Crystal Dunn named Concacaf women’s player of the year

USWNT and Portland Thorns defender Crystal Dunn is the 2021 Concacaf women’s player of the year.

A key piece of the U.S. Olympic team that won bronze in Tokyo, she started in all six matches and earned a spot in the tournament’s Best XI. She also helped the USWNT to its fourth SheBelieves title at the 2021 SheBelieves Cup.

At the club level, Dunn helped the Thorns to the 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup, the 2021 International Champions Cup and the 2021 NWSL Shield. She started in 12 of 15 matches played for the Thorns, scoring one goal and completing 377 of 504 passes.

“I really was so surprised that I won this,” Dunn, who was visibly shocked at winning, said. “I’m here to let other women who look like me know that their dreams matter and their dreams are achievable.

“Now, about to be a mom, I’m all about chasing new perspectives and evolving myself as a person and a player.”

Dunn is currently on leave from soccer as she is expecting her first child with husband Pierre Soubrier in May.