NWSL Racing Louisville FC

Racing's DeMelo Named NWSL Player of the Month for May

Published on June 6, 2023 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Racing Louisville FC News Release


Racing Louisville FC midfielder Savannah DeMelo has been named the NWSL's Player of the Month, presented by EA SPORTS, for May. The 25-year-old was also named on the league's Best XI of the Month, presented by Mastercard.

Both monthly awards are selected by the NWSL Media Association, a collection of writers who cover the league on a consistent basis.

"I'm so grateful to have received this award," DeMelo said. "All the thanks go to my team. We are such a special group, and I'm excited to see what the future holds for us."

Appearing in five of six Racing matches this month, DeMelo was involved in six goals, scoring three, assisting two and converting a penalty that ultimately counted as a Chicago own goal. She recorded her first professional brace in her team's 3-2 win over the KC Current in the UKG NWSL Challenge Cup.

Racing won four of the five matches in May that DeMelo featured in.

The standout month continued the California native's impressive start to the 2023 campaign. She has had a hand in nine goals and leads the NWSL in fouls won while also ranking in the top 10 in tackles won, and shot-creating actions. In the Challenge Cup, she leads the competition in points (5).

"Savannah's development has been amazing since she came to the club a year and a half ago," Racing coach Kim Björkegren said. "She has the ability to create chances from almost nothing, and she has generated goals and assists in almost every game, making her a well-deserved player of the month."

This recognition comes to DeMelo just over a month ahead of the 2023 World Cup, with rosters expected to be announced later in June. DeMelo, who received two U.S. Women's National Team call-ups last fall, is still looking for her first senior cap.

Last season as a rookie, the midfielder appeared in every regular-season match, logging the most minutes of any Louisville field player and finishing first the NWSL in chances created and fouls won. She scored four times, including a league-best two off direct free kicks, and tallied two assists. DeMelo was named to the NWSL Team of the Month for May and claimed Rookie of the Month honors in July.

DeMelo and Racing continue the regular season this Friday against San Diego Wave FC, the same club she scored her first professional goal against last season. Kickoff is slated for 8 p.m. at Lynn Family Stadium, and fans can purchase tickets by visiting racingloufc.com/tickets.

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