NEW YORK, NY and HERRIMAN, UT (September 4, 2026) - The National Women’s Soccer League and Utah Royals FC announced today the 11 players named to the Best XI of the Month, presented by Prime, for the month of August by the NWSL Media Association and broadcast talent. Headlined by Player of the Month Ashley Sanchez, 8 teams are represented in the league’s Top 11, including three clubs who have two players represented.
Utah Royals FC and Japanese national team attacker Mina Tanaka makes the Best XI for the first time in 2026 while putting together an MVP caliber season.
GK – Ann-Katrin Berger (GFC): Recorded two clean sheets and had 12 saves in four matches
D – Janine Sonis (DEN): Tallied five goal contributions (3G, 2A) in six matches from fullback
D – Tierna Davidson (GFC): Anchored a Gotham back line that conceded just twice in August
D – Sarah Gorden (LA): Had nine tackles and five interceptions across six matches in the Month
D – Lauren Milliet (LOU): Totalled six goal contributions (1G, 5A) in six matches in August
M – Croix Bethune (KC): Had three assists and scored a goal in five matches
M – Mina Tanaka (UTA): Found the back of the net three times in August, including Utah’s second ever brace against San Diego Wave
M – Kat Rader (HOU): Had three goals in the month, including scoring two against Chicago
F – Ashley Sanchez (NC): Scored five goals and had two assists in seven matches in the Month
F – Evelyn Ijeh (NC): Had four goals in the month, including a brace against Washington
F – Emma Sears (LOU): Tallied seven goal contributions (5G, 2A) in six matches, including two Braces
As the presenting sponsor of the NWSL Best XI, Amazon Prime is bringing fans closer to the players they love by placing the spotlight on the excellence of the athletes selected for this honor. Prime encourages members to explore their passions and interests through the entertainment they watch, the music they listen to, and the things they like to buy. You could say: Whatever you’re into, It’s on Prime. Prime Video’s NWSL coverage continues every Friday night throughout the regular season. The NWSL Best XI 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, and broadcast talent.
Following tonight’s match against Boston Legacy, the Royals will head to Houston to take on the Dash on Saturday, September 12th with kickoff set for 6:45 p.m. MT. The Royals will then return home to host Angel City FC on Sunday, September 20th, at America First Field, with kickoff set for 5:00 p.m. MT.
