Chicago Red Stars goalkeeper, Alyssa Naeher, and defender, Sam Staab, were both named to the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) March/April Best XI of the month, presented by Amazon Prime, the league announced today.  

This is Naeher’s third inclusion in the league’s team of the month in her decorated career. The keeper started all six matches across March and April for the Red Stars, recorded one clean sheet and made 18 saves. Naeher’s one clean sheet for the Red Stars came in the season opener against the Utah Royals. In that match, Naeher made five saves, the keeper’s first five-save match since October 1, 2023, against Racing Louisville FC. In Chicago’s home opener win in week two against Seattle, Naeher marked her 50th career win with the Red Stars making her the first goalkeeper to win 50 matches with one club. In the club’s second meeting against Seattle later in April, Naeher became the first goalkeeper to surpass 15,000 minutes played in the NWSL and helped the team complete the season sweep over Seattle.  

Sam Staab, who joined the Red Stars from the Washington Spirit via trade this offseason, receives her sixth Best XI of the month honors after previous recognitions in May and June of 2019, October 2021 and March/April and May of 2023. Last season, Staab was named to the NWSL’s Best XI First Team while also completing a third Ironwoman campaign by playing every possible minute for the Washington Spirit. In March/April of this season, Staab recorded six interceptions and two tackles won and helped Chicago get off to the best start in club history. The defender also became the league leader in consecutive matches started with a start against Angel City FC in week four. The defender added four more starts since then, extending her consecutive starts streak to 98 matches. In Chicago’s season opener, Staab lobbed a cross into Utah’s 18-yard box that found the head of Ally Schlegel who, with a header, sent the ball past the keeper to give Chicago the lead and giving Staab her first assist as a Chicago Red Star.  

The NWSL Best XI of the Month, presented by Amazon Prime, 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. The full March/April Best XI of the Month, presented by Prime, can be found below:  

Goalkeeper: Alyssa Naeher (CHI) 

Defenders: Sam Staab (CHI), Malia Berkely (NC), Naomi Girma (SD), Casey Krueger (WAS) 

Midfielders: Croix Bethune (WAS), Taylor Flint (LOU), Vanessa DiBernardo (KC) 

Forwards: Bia Zaneratto (KC), Temwa Chawinga (KC), Sophia Smith (POR)