Having played every single minute of the season thus far, DF Becky Sauerbrunn has been chosen to the NWSL Team of the Month for the second month in a row. Her stellar performances against the Chicago Red Stars, N.C. Courage, and Portland Thorns FC have qualified Sauerbrunn to an elite group of women.
Sauerbrunn, who also registers over 130 appearances and a FIFA Women’s World Cup championship with the USWNT, is one of five players whose names appeared in the NWSL’s chosen eleven for both March and April. Included are some of Sauerbrunn’s national team members, such as DF Emily Sonnett (Portland Thorns FC), FW Mallory Pugh (Washington Spirit), MF Crystal Dunn (North Carolina Courage), and DF Jaelene Hinkle (North Carolina Courage).
Breaking It Down
Captain Sauerbrunn led her team to a difficult road point against the N.C. Courage in mid-April, drawing 2-2, making URFC the only team to come away with a point against North Carolina this season. Following the trip back east, she returned to Rio Tinto Stadium to play against the NWSL defending cup champions, Portland Thorns FC, where she helped the Utah side draw 1-1 against a dangerous Portland attack. While winning a majority of duels on the ground and in the air, Sauerbrunn has been a relentless force in Laura Harvey’s backline.
Head coach Laura Harvey on Sauerbrunn: “Becky is like the Ronseal of the team – you know, the varnish that keeps your wood from getting wet – she protects the team and you know exactly what you’re going to get. She is a great defender, leader, reads the game well, and is never out of position.”
Also included on the NWSL team of the month (April):
Goalkeeper: Audrey Bledsoe
Defenders: Jaelene Hinkle, Estelle Johnson, Becky Sauerbrunn, Emily Sonnett
Midfielders: Sofia Huerta, Crystal Dunn, McCall Zerboni
Forwards: Francisca Ordega, Jessica McDonald, Mallory Pugh
