NC Courage Defender Ryan Williams Named to NWSL Best Xi of April

May 2, 2025 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
North Carolina Courage News Release

North Carolina Courage defender Ryan Williams
(North Carolina Courage, Credit: Lewis Gettier)

Williams is the only defender, and fourth overall, to be named in both of NWSL's monthly Best XIs this season. Williams' inclusion in the March team was a career first for the Colorado native, adding to her NWSL Best XI second-team honors for the full 2024 season.

The Courage defender scored her first career goal and assisted the match-winner in the team's 3-2 comeback victory over the Kansas City Current to cap off the month. In addition to her two goal contributions, Williams added two chances created, eight duels won, three tackles won, seven interceptions, 12 clearances, and an 81.58% passing accuracy in April.

The monthly honor from the league is the 75th earned by a Courage player. Williams' inclusion in back-to-back Best XIs is the first for a Courage player since 2022, when Carson Pickett was named to the August and September/October Best XIs.

The Courage are back on the road this weekend, taking on the Utah Royals on Saturday, May 3, at 10 p.m. ET on ION. The team will return home to face the Orlando Pride on Saturday, May 10. Tickets for that match are available.

North Carolina Courage defender Ryan Williams (Lewis Gettier)

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• NC Courage Defender Ryan Williams Named to NWSL Best Xi of April - North Carolina Courage
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• NWSL Legend Katelyn Rowland to Headline NC Courage TST Team - North Carolina Courage

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