Rose Lavelle Named to NWSL Team of the Month
As the first month of NWSL action comes to a close, top players from across the league are honored following a series of standout performances. The NWSL Team of the Month is selected each month of the regular season by the NWSL Media Association, a collection of writers that cover the league on a consistent basis.
NWSL Soccer News: Boston Breakers midfielder Rose Lavelle headlines the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) April Team of the Month of the 2017 NWSL season.
Lavelle became the first player in league history to be honored in the first month of her rookie season.
The No. 1 overall selection at the 2017 NWSL College Draft is joined by three players from the North Carolina Courage, two members of the Washington Spirit as well as one each from the Chicago Red Stars, FC Kansas City, Seattle Reign, Portland Thorns and Houston Dash.
April Team of the Month
GK – Stephanie Labbé, Washington Spirit: Labbé made 17 saves in three games – including eight in a 1-0 loss to the North Carolina Courage on April 15th.
D – Estelle Johnson, Washington Spirit: Johnson played all 270 minutes for the Spirit in April as she recorded 188 touches and 8 tackles won, good for second in the league, over three appearances.
D – Becky Sauerbrunn, FC Kansas City: Sauerbrunn made five tackles while recording 70 or more touches in two of her three games during the month.
D – Emily Sonnett, Portland Thorns: Sonnett made a league-leading five blocks while she helped the Thorns earn two shutouts in three games during April. She also aided in extending Portland’s home winning streak to a league-record six matches.
M – Julie Ertz, Chicago Red Stars: Ertz scored a goal in 270 minutes while playing in three different positions – center back, center midfield and the top of a midfield diamond.
M – Debinha, North Carolina Courage: Debinha scored a goal and added an assist while tallying seven shots on goal – tied for second in the league – during three matches in April.
M – Rose Lavelle, Boston Breakers: Lavelle recorded a goal and an assist in 262 minutes over three appearances as she helped the Breakers win multiple matches in April.
M – Jess Fishlock, Seattle Reign: Fishlock recorded a goal and an assist while playing 270 minutes during the month for the Reign.
M – Samantha Mewis, North Carolina Courage: Mewis had a goal in 270 minutes while making three appearances for the Courage in April.
F – Kealia Ohai, Houston Dash: Ohai scored two goals and added an assist to lead the Dash to a 2-1-0 record in April. She was directly involved in both goals of Houston’s 2-0 win over the Chicago Red Stars on April 15.
F – Lynn Williams, North Carolina Courage: Williams had a goal and racked up a league-high nine shots on goal in 270 minutes over three appearances while helping the Courage to a 3-0-0 record in April.
The NWSL will return to action Saturday, May 6, with three matches as the Chicago Red Stars take on Houston Dash at 4 p.m. ET in the NWSL Game of the Week on Lifetime. The Washington Spirit host Sky Blue FC at 7 p.m. ET and the Seattle Reign travel to face the Portland Thorns.
On Sunday, May 7, the Boston Breakers host the North Carolina Courage and the Orlando Pride go on the road to face FC Kansas City with the kick off for both matches at 6 p.m. ET.
Header Photo Credit: Andy Mead/ISI Photos
