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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>NWSL Best XI announced</li><li>Three USWNT stars make team</li><li>Sophia Smith an early MVP candidate</li></ul>

USWNT stars Alyssa Naeher, Naomi Girma and Sophia Smith recognised for stunning form as NWSL names Best XI of the Month for April

Friendlies

England

Naeher's 18 saves and one clean sheet across six matches saw her selected in net, while Girma's four-match stretch in April earned her a spot at centerback. The San Diego Wave defender completed 94% of her passes, winning five tackles during the month. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">This squad. 🤩 Your 2024 March / April Best XI presented by <a href="https://twitter.com/AmazonPrime?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AmazonPrime</a>! <a href="https://t.co/ENtsdWZk18">pic.twitter.com/ENtsdWZk18</a>— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSL/status/1787905287887929372?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
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WHAT HAPPENED?

Smith, meanwhile, leads the NWSL Golden Boot race. She is also an early frontrunner for 2024 NWSL MVP, having registered seven goals and three assists in eight matches this season, helping lead the Portland Thorns to a 4-1-3 (WDL) record. Her side currently sit fourth in the league standings after eight matchdays.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Kansas City Current's Bia Zaneratto was named NWSL Player of the Month for April. Kansas City Current have the most players in the Best XI, with three. Chicago and Washington narrowly trail, with two each.

DID YOU KNOW?

NWSL action returns Wednesday evening with a three-match slate. Girma's Wave will be playing, but the defender will be <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/alex-morgan-naomi-girma-injury-woes-continue-san-diego-wave-boss-casey-stoney-issues-update-uswnt-stars-status/bltf7f14161412cad05" target="_self">sidelined due to injury</a>, per boss Casey Stoney. USWNT teammate Alex Morgan has also been ruled out.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE NWSL?

USWNT stars Alyssa Naeher, Naomi Girma and Sophia Smith recognised for stunning form as NWSL names Best XI of the Month for April | Goal.com

The NWSL Best XI for April was announced Tuesday, and three USWNT stars made the team in Sophia Smith, Alyssa Naeher and Naomi Girma.