May 7, 2024 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL)
San Diego Wave FC News Release
SAN DIEGO – The San Diego Wave announced today defender Naomi Girma is one of 11 players named to the Best XI of the Month, presented by Prime, for the months of March and April by the NWSL Media Association and the NWSL’s on-air broadcast talent. Six teams are represented in the league’s Top 11, including the Chicago Red Stars, the Kansas City Current, Portland Thorns FC, Racing Louisville FC, San Diego Wave FC and the Washington Spirit.
The 2023 NWSL Defender of the Year, Girma played in four games throughout March and April with a 94 percent pass completion percentage. As an anchor for the San Diego Wave backline, she won five tackles playing 328 minutes.
The Wave return home to host the Utah Royals tomorrow, May 8 at Snapdragon Stadium at 7 p.m. PT. Tickets are available here and the match will be broadcast live on CBS Sports Network.
See below for the rest of the NWSL March/ April Best XI of the Month.
GK – Alyssa Naeher (CHI): Alyssa Naeher started all six games of the season for the Chicago Red Stars and recorded 18 saves with one clean sheet. The NWSL veteran player has allowed six goals with a 75 percent save percentage throughout March and April.
D – Sam Staab (CHI): The three-time ironwoman recipient has six interceptions with two tackles won over March and April. The leader for consecutive games started in the NWSL helped Chicago to a 3-2-1 record to begin the club’s 2024 campaign.
D – Malia Berkely (NC): Malia Berkely has played every minute of the season so far for the North Carolina Courage recording one goal and a 91 percent pass completion percentage. The Ohio native has won six tackles and tallied 10 head duels.
D – Casey Krueger (WAS): Casey Krueger became the 40th field player in league history to pass the 10,000 regular-season minutes milestone and has two assists this season in back-to-back matches. The defender has won eight tackles along with six interceptions in 492 minutes of play.
M – Croix Bethune (WAS): Croix Bethune shined in her rookie season, helping lead the Washington Spirit to a 4-2-0 record with three goals and one assist in March/April. The No. 3 overall pick in the NWSL Draft, presented by Ally, leads all rookies with three goals this season. Two of her three goals have been game-winners.
M – Taylor Flint (LOU): Taylor Flint had a standout start to her Racing Louisville career winning 17 tackles along with six successful dribbles…