Long Island's Crystal Dunn, Allie Long named to USA's Women's World Cup roster

Whether it is in front of a crowd or in a one-on-one interview, Allie Long is hardly at a loss for words.

That is, until Thursday morning.

That’s when the Northport native was told by U.S. head coach Jill Ellis that she was one of the 23 players selected to play in the Women’s World Cup in France next month along with Rockville Centre’s Crystal Dunn. Both were chosen to represent the U.S. for the first time in the event.

“Words can’t even express my emotions,” Long said. “But if I could try to make you envision how I feel … picture being a little girl, and you had a dream that you’ve always wanted and always dreamed about and it always motivated you, year after year, even when it seemed impossible at times. It pushed you through adversities and sacrifices. And then you finally accomplish it.”

Both earned a spot because of their versatility. Long, whose appearances were limited the past year due to injuries, can play many midfield roles and defense.

Ellis noticed that Long returned to form performing for Reign SC (National Women’s Soccer League) and with the national team this year.

“With [defender] Kelley O’Hara in a return-to-play mode, the experience in the backline certainly in an event like this big certainly comes into play,” she said.

Long, 31, one of the oldest players on the squad, performed at the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics, as did Dunn.

She was one of three surprise selections with left back Ali Krieger and midfielder Morgan Brian. They hadn’t played 1,000 minutes total for the national team since last year.

“They’re all players who have experienced big moments, know what it takes, have lived in those moments,” Ellis said.

Dunn was one of the final cuts from the 2015 world championship side.

Her versatility is off the board. Dunn has been the team’s left back but is the playmaking midfielder for the league champion North Carolina Courage and was voted NWSL April player of the month (four goals in three games).

“Even as an outside back, she gets forward probably as much as our forwards,” Ellis said. "Regardless of where her positions start, it’s a special quality. We want to showcase that and encourage her to get forward. Crystal is probably the most versatile player that I've had to date with this group. She can play any line. Usually players can move across lines, maybe two lines. Crystal has proven she’s adept at playing any line.”

Carli Lloyd, the Golden Ball winner at the 2015 WWC, was named to her fourth WWC team. She was one of 12 returning players from the 2015 side, including defender Becky Sauerbrunn, midfielder Megan Rapinoe and striker Alex Morgan.