Alex Morgan, Mal Pugh headline NWSL’s Best XI for May

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(Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

The NWSL released its Best XI for May on Thursday, with San Diego Wave forward Alex Morgan and Chicago Red Stars forward Mallory Pugh headlining the group.

Morgan also was named the NWSL’s player of the month after her six goals in May paced the league.

The Wave star added two more Saturday to bring her total to a league-leading eight so far.  She has twice as many goals as the next closest players; five players each have scored four goals this season.

Of the league’s 12 clubs, six are represented in this month’s best XI. OL Reign leads all clubs with four selections, while San Diego Wave FC had three selections including Morgan.

Angel City FC, the Chicago Red Stars, the Houston Dash and Racing Louisville each had one player featured among the best XI.

Seven of the players, including Morgan and Pugh, also were featured on Just Women’s Sports’ Best XI for the month.

Seven of JWS writer Jessa Braun’s 11 selections were also selected for the NWSL list, while four were left off: Angel City forward Christen Press, Portland Thorns midfielder Sam Coffey, Houston Dash defender Katie Naughton and Angel City defender Jasmyne Spencer.

NWSL’s Best XI for May

  • Phallon Tullis-Joyce, OL Reign goalkeeper
  • Alana Cook, OL Reign defender
  • Vanessa Gilles, Angel City FC defender
  • Naomi Girma, San Diego Wave defender (*Rookie of the Month)
  • Sofia Huerta, OL Reign defender
  • Savannah DeMelo, Racing Louisville midfielder
  • Taylor Kornieck, San Diego Wave midfielder
  • Rose Lavelle, OL Reign midfielder
  • Rachel Daly, Houston Dash forward
  • Alex Morgan, San Diego Wave forward (*Player of the Month)
  • Mallory Pugh, Chicago Red Stars forward