Thorns FC's Crystal Dunn, Becky Sauerbrunn, Sophia Smith Named to NWSL Best Xi for March/April

May 3, 2023 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Portland Thorns FC News Release

PORTLAND, Ore. - The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) today announced that Portland Thorns FC midfielder Crystal Dunn, defender Becky Sauerbrunn and forward Sophia Smith were named to the NWSL Best XI of the Month, presented by Mastercard, for the months of March and April. The trio helped Thorns FC to an unbeaten record (3-0-2) through the first five games of the season.

Dunn has started each of Portland's first five matches this season, tallying two goals. The Portland midfielder tallied her first goal of the season in a 4-1 road win at Kansas City on April 1. She scored for a second straight match with her first regular season goal at Providence Park on April 14 against the Houston Dash.

Sauerbrunn helped Portland keep two clean sheets in four starts, while Thorns FC conceded just two goals in her four appearances. The Thorns FC defender started and played 90 minutes in each of her first three starts, while logging 58 minutes in a shutout win against Louisville on April 22.

Smith leads the league in assists (4) and is tied for the NWSL lead with four goals. The Portland forward recorded her first career hat trick in the team's win April 1 at Kansas City. On April 22, she registered her first career multi-assist game in a 2-0 win over Racing Louisville FC at Providence Park.

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 the NWSL's on-air broadcast talent.

• Discuss this story on the National Women's Soccer League message board...

National Women's Soccer League Stories from May 3, 2023

• Lynn Williams' Goal Earns Gotham FC 1-1 Draw in UKG NWSL Challenge Cup - NJ/NY Gotham FC
• Chicago Red Stars Drop First Challenge Cup Match 2-0 to Houston Dash - Chicago Stars FC
• Houston Dash Defeat Chicago Red Stars 2-0 in Second Match of UKG Challenge Cup - Houston Dash
• Courage Extend NWSL-Record Challenge Cup Unbeaten Streak to 12 Straight - North Carolina Courage
• Orlando Pride Announces Theme Nights for 2023 Season - Orlando Pride
• Courage Defender Emily Fox Named to March/April NWSL Best XI - North Carolina Courage
• San Diego Wave FC Defender Naomi Girma Named to NWSL Team of the Month - San Diego Wave FC
• Gotham FC's Lynn Williams Named to NWSL Best XI of the Month, Presented by Mastercard - NJ/NY Gotham FC
• Washington Spirit Defender Sam Staab Honored Among NWSL's Best XI of the Month - Washington Spirit
• Thorns FC's Crystal Dunn, Becky Sauerbrunn, Sophia Smith Named to NWSL Best Xi for March/April - Portland Thorns FC
• Kansas City Current Named to NWSL March/April Best XI of the Month, Presented by Mastercard - Kansas City Current
• Three OL Reign Players Named to NWSL Best XI of the Month, Presented by Mastercard for March/April - Seattle Reign FC
• National Women's Soccer League Announces March/April Best XI of the Month, Presented by Mastercard - NWSL
• Washington Spirit Showcases Ticket Specials for May 6th Match Versus San Diego Wave FC - Washington Spirit

The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Portland Thorns FC Stories

• Portland Thorns FC Dominate Defending Champs Orlando Pride in 1-0 Victory
• Portland Thorns FC to Host "The World's Largest Baby Shower"Presented by Bobbie on May 3
• Portland Thorns FC Rally Back in 3-3 Draw against Racing Louisville FC
• Portland Thorns FC Post Statement 4-1 Win vs Gotham FC
• RAJ Sports Breaks Ground on First-Ever Dual-Sport Women's Performance Center