After strong performances during the month of May, the NWSL Media Association has chosen Utah Royals FC duo of GK Abby Smith and DF Becky Sauerbrunn to the “Team of the Month” for May. This dynamic duo has played every single minute this season, with the exception of the most recent match-up against Sky Blue FC due to call-ups to the U.S. Soccer Women’s National Team. The two also played an integral role in the team’s first home-win against the Washington Spirit (May 5) as well as the Houston Dash on Lifetime’s “Game of the Week” (May 19).
Breaking down the numbers
GK Abby Smith – Smith has been a powerful force between the pipes, tallying four clean-sheets so far this year. Coming back after a season of injury, Abby Smith has quickly become one of the top goalkeepers in the league, making several highlight-reel saves against the Houston Dash and Portland Thorns FC. Her success on the pitch has paid off, with Smith recently being called in to the USWNT camp this week during the FIFA break window for the match in Sandy against China PR.
DF Becky Sauerbrunn – Captain Sauerbrunn has been selected to the NWSL’s “Team of the Month” for the third time in a row and continues to lead the league in completed passing percentage (84%). Sauerbrunn has been a relentless force in the backline, leading URFC in blocks (6), and winning a whopping 63% of tackles in the defensive third. Like Smith, Sauerbrunn is also spending the week training with the USWNT side in preparation for Thursday’s game against China PR at Rio Tinto Stadium.
Also included in the NWSL’s eleven of the month:
Goalkeeper:Abby Smith
Defenders: Steph Catley, Abby Erceg, Becky Sauerbrunn, Ali Krieger
Midfielders: Kristie Mewis, Lindsay Horan, McCall Zerboni
Forwards: Rachel Daly, Christine Sinclair, Crystal Dunn
