Crystal Dunn working to gain her French in-laws' support ahead of quarterfinal match against France
Crystal Dunn and the U.S. women’s national team will take on France in the Women’s World Cup quarterfinals on Friday in Paris, thanks to a 2-1 win against Spain on Monday.
The starting left back will have a large following in the stands at Parc des Princes on Friday, too. Her husband, Pierre Soubrier, grew up in Aurignac, France, and still has lots of family in the country.
Where their allegiances lie, however, isn’t quite clear.
Dunn’s family are naturally big supporters of the French national team, and knew that things could get a bit awkward if the two sides ended up meeting in the World Cup.
“My in-laws, they’re French and they want the women’s side to do well,” Dunn said before the World Cup, via USA Today. “But obviously I’m a part of the family now and they’re rooting for me and they want me to go all the way.
“They’ve said it’s going to be quite tough if we play France. I told them to wear only one jersey and I hope it’s the U.S. jersey.”
Now, Dunn’s family will obviously support her personally. She did, however, buy them special USWNT jerseys, which she hopes will push them in the right direction come Friday.
Regardless, Dunn’s connections with the host country and her rapidly improving French have made her World Cup experience even more special.
“I think being a part of this World Cup, being married now to someone who is so close to the culture there, it's great,” Dunn said, via USA Today. “I feel like everything just worked out perfectly.”
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