April NWSL Player Of The Month Voting
Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
The American Pitch wants your help voting for the 2014 NWSL Player Of The Month for April. Read through the nominated players and cast your vote! If you think someone else should be considered, feel free to add your thoughts in the comments section.
The winning player will be revealed on Sunday. All info listed below is courtesy of the NWSL.
NWSL Player of the Month Nominees:
Boston Breakers – Lianne Sanderson
Sanderson had two goals and one assist in April, including what turned out to be the game-winning tally in a 3-2 win over Sky Blue FC. The victory was Boston’s first of the season. She factored into all three goals in the win over Sky Blue. Sanderson appeared in all three matches for the Breakers in April, playing all 270 minutes (tied for first on the team). Her two goals, which came off just four shots on goal, are tied for third most in the NWSL.
Chicago Red Stars – Karina LeBlanc
The veteran Canadian LeBlanc has started and played every minute of the Red Stars three matches this month, earning a shutout against WNY while compiling 11 saves and only allowing 2 goals. Her leadership has led the Red Stars defensively to one of the lowest goals against totals in the league.
Houston Dash – Teresa Noyola
Teresa Noyola appeared in all three matches for the Houston Dash in the month of April and scored two goals in the Dash’s 3-2 victory over the Boston Breakers on April 20, the first win in franchise history.
FC Kansas City – Amy Rodriguez
After not playing in 2013, Rodriguez has hit the ground running so far in 2014. She has accounted for 75% of FC Kansas City’s goals and is tied for second on the NWSL’s leaderboard. She is dangerous from all over the field and has forced opposing defenses to constantly account for her whereabouts on the field.
Portland Thorns FC – Allie Long
In the first month of the 2014 NWSL season, midfielder Allie Long tallied a goal in three straight matches, helping guide Thorns FC to an unbeaten 2-0-1 record. Long netted the game-winning goal against Houston (April 12), the game-tying goal against Sky Blue FC (April 19) and a goal and an assist in Portland’s 3-1 win over FC Kansas City on April 26 in the home opener at Providence Park. Tying her NWSL-career high in goals over a three-game span, Long also earned her first call up to the U.S. Women’s National Team since 2010 as she was named to the training camp roster for a friendly against Canada on May 8.
Seattle Reign FC – Kim Little
In her NWSL debut, Little proved to be instrumental in Seattle’s first shutout in franchise history, scoring two goals in a span of just over five minutes. After four matches, Little now leads the league in goals for the team leading the league in wins.
Sky Blue FC – CoCo Goodson
Goodson has been the most consistent and stable defender for Sky Blue FC this season, playing every minute of every game. She has stepped up by taking command of the SBFC backline, especially when captain Christie Rampone has been absent. Her field awareness has helped her make countless defensive stops for Sky Blue FC and shut down scorers like Kim Little and Allie Long in the run of play.
Washington Spirit – Diana Matheson
Matheson has been very important both offensively and defensively in the Spirit’s opening games helping the club to third place in the league standings with a 2-2-0 record. She has had a superb start scoring three goals in four games and is expected to continue this impressive form over the rest of the season.
Western New York Flash – Vicky Losada
In two games played during the month of April, Losada welcomed herself to the NWSL in commanding fashion. The Spanish midfielder struck twice and added an assist during the team’s opening game at Washington. She also played all 90 minutes with two shots during the Flash’s second game at Chicago.