Dunn named to second World Cup roster, Smith to make World Cup debut
PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Thorns FC midfielder Crystal Dunn and forward Sophia Smith have been named to the 23-player U.S. Women’s National Team roster for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, it was announced today. This marks the second time Dunn has been named to a World Cup roster as she helped the USWNT win the 2019 World Cup. This is Smith’s first trip to the World Cup at the senior level.
Dunn (131 caps, 24 goals, 19 assists) appeared in six matches at the 2019 World Cup, starting and playing 90 minutes in all six of those matches. The USWNT defender helped the team record shutouts in both of her group stage appearances as well as a shutout victory over the Netherlands in the World Cup final. As a midfielder for Thorns FC, Dunn has started all 12 matches, tallying five goals and two assists this season in league play.
Smith – the 2022 U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year – is set to feature in her first World Cup. The USWNT forward has earned 29 caps, tallying 12 goals and three assists during her international career. The reigning NWSL MVP, Smith currently ranks second in the league in goals (7) and first in assists (5) in 12 games with Thorns FC in 2023.
Before departing for New Zealand, the USWNT will take on Wales on July 9 in San Jose, Calif. at PayPal Park; kickoff is set for 1 p.m. (Pacific) on TNT. Playing in Group E, the USWNT begins the tournament against debutant Vietnam on Fri., July 21; kickoff is set for 6 p.m. (Pacific) on FOX. In a rematch of the 2019 World Cup final, the U.S. meets the Netherlands on Wed., July 26, with a broadcast available on FOX at 6 p.m. (Pacific). The USWNT finishes up group play against Portugal on Tues., Aug. 1, at 12 a.m. (Pacific) on FOX.
