UNC alumna helps push US women’s soccer team past Japan, into Olympic semifinals

The United States’ Women’s National Soccer Team squeaked into the semifinals at the Olympics on Saturday, thanks in large part to UNC alumna Crystal Dunn.

Trinity Rodman scored the only goal of the match in the first of two overtime periods Saturday in a 1-0 win over Japan, keeping the U.S. team’s gold medal hopes alive.

Dunn, a three-time Olympian, isn’t new to the big stage, but is still performing at the highest level. Among her career accolades are ACC Player of the Year, Honda Sports Award winner, NWSL MVP, NWSL Golden Boot recipient, and CONCACAF Player of the Year.

“I mean it’s incredible,” Dunn said of representing the United States and UNC as an Olympian. “Obviously being an Olympian is truly amazing and it’s my third go around and I’m so honored to be able to help this team in every way possible. I think every time I get to put on the jersey, it’s an incredible honor.”

There were many back and forth battles in the first half of the quarterfinal, and the crowd was into it from the kickoff. Japan earned a direct free kick midway through the first half but it was defended and the threat quashed thanks to Team USA’s strong defense. Keeper Alyssa Naeher made a stout save in the 35th minute to keep the game scoreless.

The back and forth continued through the 90th minute, testing the Americans’ will.

“We knew it was going to be a hard-fought game,” forward Sophia Smith said. “Japan is such a disciplined team — they’re so good at what they do and it’s hard to break them down so we knew it was going to be a battle and we just had to stay patient all the time.”

Patience paid off in the 106th minute, when Rodman demolished the ball into the top left corner. She might not have seen it, but thousands in the stands did along with millions at home, knowing that one goal was likely the difference-maker in this tight contest.

“I kind of blacked out,” Rodman said after kicking the game winning shot. “That’s the best moment in my career.”

Now Rodman and Dunn will look to try to connect again in the Olympic semifinals Tuesday in Lyon, France, against the winner of Canada/Germany.

Anna Laible is a student with UNC Media Hub, a program with the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media, reporting from the Summer Olympics in Paris. Laible hosts the Speak Up Sports Podcast. Follow her journey covering her first Olympics on her Instagram (@anna_laible).