Injured Crystal Dunn replaced by Julie Johnston ahead of USA World Cup qualifiers

Published Oct. 14, 2014 2:25 p.m. ET

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KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) Crystal Dunn has been replaced by fellow defender Julie Johnston on the U.S. women's national team after spraining ligaments in her right knee during training.

U.S. Soccer spokesman Aaron Heifetz said that Dunn could miss up to four weeks, which would include the first round of World Cup qualifying. The Americans play the first of three games in a six-day stretch against Trinidad and Tobago on Wednesday night.

They play Guatemala on Friday night and Haiti on Monday night.

Johnston, who made her national team debut in February 2013, was among the final roster cuts after a two-week training camp. The National Women's Soccer League's rookie of the year should provide more versatility in the defensive midfield.