Former University of Alabama soccer standout Merel van Dongen became the first player in program history to advance to a World Cup final in the Netherlands’ 2-0 loss to the United States on Sunday.
Van Dongen, who played for the Crimson Tide from 2012-14, was an unused substitute in the final. However, she had previously made four consecutive starts, including playing Holland’s entire semifinals victory against Sweden. The UA alumna logged six total appearances and 409 minutes played in the tournament.
During her time in Tuscaloosa, van Dongen was named SEC Freshman of the Year and later to the All-SEC second team. She holds the program record for assists in a single season and assists per game over a career.
The Dutch standout was joined by former UA defender Celia Jimenez Delgado of Spain in representing the Tide at this year’s tournament in France. Spain was knocked out by the U.S. in the round of 16.
Sean Ross is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn
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