Alabama Soccer Alumna Kicks Off Olympic Campaign

Alabama soccer alumna, defender Merel van Dongen will represent the Netherlands by playing soccer at the Tokyo Olympics. The Dutch plays its first game on Wednesday morning at 6 a.m. CT against Zambia to open round robin play in Group F. Van Dongen is well versed in international play competing in over 50 games and appearing at the 2015 and 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup.

Netherlands enters the Olympic tournament ranked No. 4 in the latest FIFA rankings and is the second-highest ranked team in the tournament behind No. 1 ranked USA.

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Van Dongen and the Dutch are one of 12 teams competing for the gold and are guaranteed at least three games in Group F play.

July 21 vs. Zambia 6 a.m. CT
July 24 vs. Brazil 6 a.m. CT
July 27 vs. China 6:30 a.m. CT

The Women's Olympic Soccer Gold Medal Game will be Aug. 5 at 9 p.m. CT.

Van Dongen played for the Crimson Tide for three seasons from 2012- and holds the Alabama record for assists in a single season with 10 during the 2014 season. Van Dongen was voted SEC Freshman of the Year in 2012 and earned CoSIDA/Capital One Academic All-American and All-District 4 First Team as a senior.

Van Dongen is one of many athletes with Alabama ties competing in the Olympics. Keep it locked into Tide 100.9 to keep up with all the athletes at the Tokyo Olympics.

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Categories: Alabama, Sports