Washington Spirit Defender Sam Staab Honored Among NWSL's Best XI of the Month

May 3, 2023 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Washington Spirit News Release

Washington, D.C. - Washington Spirit defender Sam Staab has been named to the Best XI of the Month, presented by Mastercard, for the months of March and April, the NWSL announced today.

Staab, who came off of an NWSL record-setting 73rd consecutive regular season start last Saturday, earns her first Best XI of the Month nomination - previously, Staab was named to the NWSL's "Team of the Month" in May and June of 2019 and October of 2021. She joins San Diego's Naomi Girma, North Carolina's Emily Fox, and Portland's Beck Sauerbrunn on the backline of the Best XI.

A key component in the Spirit's defense, Staab has helped the Spirit limit opponents to four goals through five games, second-fewest in the league, and place in the top four on the NWSL table through March and April.

Staab has played every minute of the 2023 season and would have played every regular season minute of her career to this point if not for a red card - that would later be overturned - in the 2021 season. She was a finalist for Rookie of the Year in 2019 and has scored a goal in every season of her career.

This season, Staab leads the team in blocked shots (5) and possessions won in the defensive third (23), while ranking second in clearances (22). Among those defensive statistics, Staab also ranks among the top-10 in the NWSL.

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.

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.

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