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Staab recognized as one of the four best defenders in the NWSL during March and April
Washington, D.C. (05/03/2023) – 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.
About The Washington Spirit
The Washington Spirit is the professional women’s soccer team based at Audi Field in Washington, D.C. Launched in 2012, the Spirit plays in the National Women’s Soccer League, the premier women’s soccer competition in North America. For more information about the Spirit, visit WashingtonSpirit.com and follow the club on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.