WASHINGTON - Crystal Dunn, a rising star with the top-ranked U.S. women's national soccer team, has left the Washington Spirit to sign with English club Chelsea, the second prominent player to depart since the National Women's Soccer League final three months ago.
She follows captain Ali Krieger, who clashed with the coach and owner before being traded to the Orlando Pride in November.
Dunn, a dynamic attacker who won the 2015 league MVP trophy, was free to pursue other opportunities after the expiration of her contract with the U.S. Soccer Federation, which underwrites the NWSL and allocates national team members to the 10 teams.