CLOSER LOOK: Corona CDM Alex Dunn
Take a closer look at Corona senior midfielder Alex Dunn and you’d have to stand on a ladder.
All tall jokes aside, Dunn is 6-foot-8, and looks every bit of it out on the pitch with a bunch of boys three-quarters his size.
Although the position he plays is more politely called a central defensive midfielder or perhaps even fullback, he plays the role more commonly known as destroyer.
He’s everywhere on the field. He’s a box-to-box midfielder and if his height isn’t intimidating enough, he plays with a fierce determination to win the ball.
His domination in the air is unrefined but effective. If he can master that aspect of the game he’d be a very dangerous weapon, rather than just a presence.
Alex Dunn takes a throw-in during the second half of Corona's 4-2 victory over Lakeside on Dec. 17. / Dennis Pope Photography
I caught up with Dunn following the Panthers’ 4-2 victory over Lake Elsinore Lakeside on the opening day of the Tom Tilson Holiday Classic.
You have incredible height. What sort of advantage do you think that gives you?
“It helps me win balls in the air, and I can see over people, I guess. It just helps me keep my head and use it to my advantage,” Dunn said.
What are some of the disadvantages?
“Not as quick on my feet. I mean, a little bit longer legs makes it difficult to keep up with the smaller people.”
What have you done to improve your tactical ability?
“I’ve studied and I’ve gone over everything with my team, and just go through walk-throughs and just actually learning it, and keeping my grades up. Keep my mind fresh.”
Where’s Corona soccer right now?
“I think we’re doing pretty well. I think we can still improve but we’re doing alright. We’ve got some big wins but we’ve got to keep improving, keep going forward to win our league. We’ve got a tough league this year.
Where are you physically right now?
“I am tired but that’s no excuse. We are athletes and that’s what we do. We’ve been doing this all our lives. It’s good to have a tough match after such a tough match.”
Corona had played Claremont to a 0-0 draw the day before, and a little bit of exhaustion could be seen on his face.
The Panthers do well bringing the ball up the field, and a lot of that starts with Dunn. Coach Mike Sutherland’s team just has problems putting the ball in the back of the net.
A few goals from Dunn off free kicks could go a long way toward a playoff push for Corona, which plays host to No. 9 Riverside King today.
INLAND FIELDHOUSE 