CHICAGO – Portland Thorns FC defender Emily Sonnett was named to the inaugural National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Team of the Month as selected by the NWSL Media Association for the month of April of the 2017 NWSL season.
Sonnett made a league-leading five blocks while she helped the Thorns earn two shutouts in three matches during April. She also aided in extending Portland’s home winning streak to a league-record six games.
GK – Stephanie Labbé, Washington Spirit: Labbé made 17 saves over three appearances – including eight in a 1-0 loss to the North Carolina Courage on April 15.
D – Estelle Johnson, Washington Spirit: Johnson played all 270 minutes for the Spirit in April as she racked up 188 touches and 8 tackles won, good for second in the league, over three appearances.
D – Becky Sauerbrunn, FC Kansas City: Sauerbrunn made five tackles while recording 70 or more touches in a match in two of her three appearances during the month.
D – Emily Sonnett, Portland Thorns
M – Julie Ertz, Chicago Red Stars: Ertz had a goal in 270 minutes while playing in three different positions – center back, center midfield and the top of a midfield diamond.
M – Debinha, North Carolina Courage: Debinha scored a goal and added an assist while generating seven shots on goal – tied for second in the league – during three games in April.
M – Rose Lavelle, Boston Breakers: Lavelle recorded a goal and an assist in 262 minutes over three appearances as she helped the Breakers win multiple games in April for the first time in club history.
M – Jess Fishlock, Seattle Reign: Fishlock had a goal and an assist while playing 270 minutes during the month for the Reign.
M – Samantha Mewis, North Carolina Courage: Mewis had a goal in 270 minutes while making three appearances for the Courage in April.
F – Kealia Ohai, Houston Dash: Ohai scored two goals and added an assist to lead the Dash to a 2-1-0 record in April. She was directly involved in both goals of Houston’s 2-0 win over the Chicago Red Stars on April 15.
F – Lynn Williams, North Carolina Courage: Williams had a goal and racked up a league-high nine shots on goal in 270 minutes over three appearances while helping the Courage to a 3-0-0 record in April.
Thorns FC return to action Saturday, May 6 as they host Seattle Reign FC at Providence Park (7pm PT, STREAM, TICKETS).
The NWSL Team 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. For more information on the NWSL Media Association, follow them on Twitter.
