CHAPEL HILL– Coach Anson Dorrance’s defending national champions currently sit at 9-2 on the season and No. 6 in the polls. Now in the heart of a mid-season hiatus, Carolina is looking to polish up a few things before returning to action.

Senior midfielder Crystal Dunn says she thinks off weeks are always helpful to the team. She says it affords the Tar Heels an opportunity to improve on finishing their shots in the back of the net.

***Listen to the interview***

Crystal Dunn 10-2

“I think any kind of extensive break is really good for any team. I think we have a strong team. We started off really well. I think we could just work a little bit on finishing. We’ve incorporated a lot of finishing drills into our previous sessions,” Dunn says.

Dunn says the two losses suffered by her team earlier in the season definitely served as a wake-up call. She says her team has responded nicely.

“I think finishing played a key role in those games. […] With any loss you learn from the things that go on in that game. But I think the team bounced back really well,” Dunn says.

Dunn will be serving a dual role here in a couple weeks as she has been named to the U.S. Women’s National Team. From Oct. 15-30, Dunn will be playing for the Red, White and Blue. And Dunn says she is honored to be playing for her country, but she tries to take it all in stride.

“I try not to over think anything. Yeah, I will be playing a different position. But it’s the same game, it’s soccer. I try not to overwhelm myself and just live in each experience. I train hard here with my team, and when I’m forced into these camps I just take a breather and enjoy every moment,” Dunn says.

Dunn and the Tar Heels will be back in action Sunday when they take on Maryland in Chapel Hill.

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