June 9, 2022 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) News Release
CHICAGO – The National Women’s Soccer League announced today the 11 players named to the Best XI of the Month, presented by Mastercard, for the month of May by the NWSL Media Association. Headlined by Player of the Month Alex Morgan, six of the league’s 12 clubs are represented. Led by OL Reign with four selections, San Diego Wave FC earned three roster spots, while Angel City FC, the Chicago Red Stars, the Houston Dash, and Racing Louisville FC each claimed one spot in the month’s best XI.
GK – Phallon Tullis-Joyce (RGN): Tullis-Joyce notched 24 saves and four clean sheets through six games in goal for OL Reign, good for second among league goalkeepers.
D – Alana Cook (RGN): A solid presence on the OL Reign back line, Cook registered 27 clearances and completed 73 percent of tackles.
D – Vanessa Gilles (LA): Helping Angel City to a stellar record in its inaugural campaign, Gilles recorded an 82 percent tackle rating, and tallied a crucial assist in the team’s 1-0 win over the Washington Spirit.
D – Naomi Girma (SD): The Rookie of the Month for May, Girma enjoyed a solid first month of the NWSL regular season, registering an 85 percent distribution rating, 27 clearances, four blocks and nine interceptions.
D – Sofia Huerta (RGN): Huerta was productive on both sides of the pitch in May, dishing out game-winning assists in two Reign victories and successfully completing more than 60 percent of defensive tackles on the back line.
M – Savannah DeMelo (LOU): In her first season in the NWSL, DeMelo notched her first goal on a highlight-reel free kick, helping Racing Louisville to a 1-0 win over San Diego. The rookie has also appeared in all but two minutes of the regular season.
M – Taylor Kornieck (SD): Helping her team to a top-of-the-table start, Kornieck has appeared in every match for the Wave and recorded an assist in San Diego’s 1-0 win over the North Carolina Courage.
M – Rose Lavelle (RGN): Appearing in every match for the Reign this regular season, Lavelle was a playmaker in the midfield throughout May, registering an 80 percent distribution rating to set her team up offensively. Lavelle also scored the lone goal in the Reign’s 1-0 win over San Diego.
F – Rachel Daly (HOU): Tied for second in scoring this season, Daly has enjoyed an electric start with the Houston Dash, tallying three goals in May to help her team to a 2-1-2 regular season start. The Dash have not lost a game when Daly…