NWSL April Best XI by Amazon Prime

The NWSL April Best XI by Amazon Prime spotlights the top players whose performances stood out across the league last month. Selected by the NWSL Media Association and broadcast talent, this monthly honor captures those who shaped April with key saves, game-changing goals, and solid defensive work. From seasoned leaders like Aubrey Kingsbury, who racked up milestone saves and clean sheets, to rising stars making their mark, these 11 players showcased skill and grit that impacted their teams and the league standings.

This recognition not only celebrates individual excellence but also reflects the growing strength and depth of the league. As we break down the April Best XI, you’ll see the stats, highlights, and moments that made these players indispensable in the early season push.

NWSL April Best XI by Amazon Prime: Standout Performers of the Month

Every month, the NWSL highlights the players who delivered unforgettable performances — those who lit up the field with skill, energy, and results. The NWSL April Best XI by Amazon Prime captures this elite group from April 2025, spotlighting 11 players whose impact was impossible to ignore. These athletes not only racked up impressive stats but also elevated their teams with leadership and flair.

This list doesn’t just celebrate goals and saves. It tells a story of determination, consistency, and moments where talent met opportunity. Let’s break down what made these players shine and why their presence shaped April’s league action.

Goalkeeper: Aubrey Kingsbury (Washington Spirit)

Aubrey Kingsbury proved why she’s a pillar for the Washington Spirit. With three consecutive shutouts and 13 crucial saves in April, she kept her team’s defense almost impenetrable. These performances brought her to a milestone of 40 clean sheets and 500 career saves — a testament to her skill and longevity. Kingsbury’s calm in goal and sharp reflexes make her a nightmare for opposing attackers and a trusted anchor for her team.

Defenders: Lilly Reale, Emily Sonnett, Ryan Williams, and Others

April’s defense spotlighted some fierce competitors. Lilly Reale, a rookie sensation from Gotham FC, made history by earning her first Best XI honor with impressive defensive stats including 11 tackles and 81 touches in a single game. Emily Sonnett, another Gotham FC standout, dominated possession with 472 passes at 94.3% accuracy, playing every minute and helping her team claim two clean sheets. Ryan Williams of NC Courage continued her consistent form, showcasing the league’s defensive solidity.

Midfielders: Kenza Dali, plus Key Playmakers

The midfield drove many of April’s defining moments. San Diego Wave FC’s Kenza Dali combined precision and creativity, contributing a critical assist and a sharp free-kick finish. Her ability to control the middle of the pitch and set up attacking plays gave her team a crucial edge. Alongside Dali, other midfielders in the Best XI added control, vision, and the stamina to press for 90 minutes — making this group the engine of their squads.

Forwards: Esther González, Delphine Cascarino, and Sharpened Attack

No Best XI is complete without goal scorers, and April’s forwards certainly delivered. Esther González of Gotham FC led the league with seven goals, including multiple braces, scoring consistently every match. Her sharp finishing and positioning kept defenders on their toes. Delphine Cascarino, also from San Diego Wave FC, nearly set a club assist record with five goals and three assists, proving just how lethal she is in front of the goal. These forwards brought energy and clinical precision, turning chances into game-changing moments.

Why This Best XI Matters

The NWSL April Best XI by Amazon Prime is more than just a list. It reflects the league’s rising talent and competitive balance across six different clubs. The combination of veteran stars and emerging rookies highlights how the league grows each season. Whether it’s milestone saves, passing mastery, or scoring streaks, these players set the tone early in the year and give fans plenty to talk about.

Keep an eye on these names — they aren’t just leaving their mark on April; they are shaping the future of women’s soccer, one match at a time.

Standout Goalkeeping: Aubrey Kingsbury’s Commanding Presence

In the spotlight of the NWSL April Best XI by Amazon Prime, Aubrey Kingsbury’s performances stood apart. As the heartbeat of the Washington Spirit’s defense, she didn’t just guard the net—she controlled the game from the back. April saw Kingsbury putting on a clinic in goal, demonstrating why she remains a towering figure in the league.

A Fortress in Goal: Clean Sheets and Crucial Saves

Kingsbury’s April stats are as impressive as her reputation. She recorded three consecutive shutouts over April and late March, keeping her team’s goal untouched for nearly a full month. Across just three matches this past month, she made 13 vital saves, some stretching into decisive moments that held off strong attacks. These weren’t just routine stops; they were the kind that shifted momentum and kept Washington Spirit competitive in tight games.

3 games played in April
13 saves across those games
3 consecutive clean sheets spanning March-April

Her reliability in goal created a sense of security for the Spirit’s outfield players, allowing them to take chances knowing their last line stood tall.

Milestone Achievements: A Testament to Longevity and Skill

April also marked important milestones in Kingsbury’s career. She became the fourth goalkeeper in NWSL history to reach 40 career clean sheets—a mark of consistency many aim for but few achieve. Alongside that, she crossed the 500 saves milestone, landing her among the elite shot-stoppers of the league’s history. These career landmarks aren’t just stats; they tell the story of years defending the net at the highest level and rising to every challenge.

Kingsbury’s leadership extends beyond numbers. As captain of the Spirit, her calm voice and commanding presence organize the defense and inspire confidence. She’s a steadying force in high-pressure moments, a trait that doesn’t go unnoticed by teammates or fans.

Game-Changing Leadership Under Pressure

April’s schedule tested the Spirit’s defense, facing a variety of attacking styles. Kingsbury’s ability to read the game and quick reaction times kept the Spirit in control. Her performance during the Spirit’s win over Orlando Pride was a defining moment—she helped snap Orlando’s long unbeaten home streak at 22 matches. That kind of impact shows why she’s a trusted anchor.

Off the pitch, Kingsbury’s role as a leader only grows. She shapes team spirit and defensive cohesion, setting the tone for others to follow.

Aubrey Kingsbury’s inclusion in the NWSL April Best XI by Amazon Prime is well-earned. Her command between the posts, clutch saves, and career-defining milestones combine to paint a picture of a goalkeeper at the peak of her powers. For Washington Spirit and fans of the league, Kingsbury remains a symbol of resilience, skill, and unwavering leadership.

Defensive Pillars: Young Stars and Veterans Uniting for Strong Backlines

April’s NWSL Best XI by Amazon Prime showcases a powerful blend of youthful energy and veteran savvy in the defensive ranks. Defenders don’t just block shots—they build the foundation for every successful attack by breaking plays, controlling possession, and leading from the back. This month, rookies like Lilly Reale stepped into the spotlight with fearless performances, while seasoned pros like Emily Sonnett and Ryan Williams displayed poise and reliability that anchor their teams.

Defense is often about teamwork and trust. When young stars and experienced players combine their strengths, the backlines become nearly impenetrable. Their collective work gave their teams not only clean sheets but also launched attacking opportunities, showing defense isn’t just about stopping goals—it’s about shaping the game.

Rising Star: Lilly Reale’s Breakout Defensive Brilliance

Rookie defender Lilly Reale for Gotham FC turned heads with her rapid rise. April saw her achieve a milestone by earning her first NWSL Best XI nod, a rare feat for newcomers. Reale demonstrated not only tough tackling—accumulating 11 tackles in a single game—but also impressive composure on the ball with over 80 touches during that match.

Reale’s fearless approach disrupted attacks and showcased her sharp awareness. She’s a defender willing to engage in duels and win them, a trait that’s essential in tight league battles. Her instinctive interceptions and clean challenges backed Gotham’s defensive record for the month, contributing crucially to the team’s stability at the back.

Steady Hand: Emily Sonnett’s Passing Precision and Leadership

Veteran Emily Sonnett remains a cornerstone in Gotham FC’s defense. She brought calm control through the middle, exemplified by completing 472 passes with a remarkable 94.3% accuracy during April’s run. This precision isn’t just about possession—it’s about controlling the rhythm and momentum of matches.

Sonnett’s leadership extends beyond stats. She played every minute for Gotham during the month, seamlessly combining defensive blocking with smooth ball circulation that helped her team transition quickly from defense to attack. Her ability to read the game, anticipate threats, and organize the defense makes her an invaluable figure guiding both rookies and fellow veterans.

Reliable Force: Ryan Williams’ Blend of Defense and Offense

North Carolina Courage’s Ryan Williams stood out as the only defender recognized in back-to-back months. Williams doesn’t just defend; she also contributes offensively. During April, she scored her first professional goal and added an assist in a key comeback.

Her defensive stats emphasize her all-around game: winning eight duels, making 12 clearances, and keeping an impressive 81.58% passing accuracy. Williams’ presence was vital in NC Courage’s record-setting streak, which saw 453 minutes without conceding a goal. Her ability to fight for the ball, launch attacks from the back, and hold the line gives Courage a reliable backbone.

Defensive Impact That Goes Beyond Traditional Stats

Each defender in the April Best XI by Amazon Prime contributed more than just tackles and clearances. Their combined effort resulted in:

Multiple clean sheets anchoring team defenses
Interceptions and passes that launched attacks
Assists and chances created from deep on the field
Steady communication that organized defensive lines

This mix of raw defensive skill alongside smart decision-making shows how today’s defense plays a dual role: keepers of the net and starters of offense.

Defensive teamwork, in this Best XI, tells a clear story—young talents like Reale are learning from veterans such as Sonnett and Williams, creating a strong, assured backline that keeps opponents guessing and fans excited. It’s a balance of guile and grit, youth and experience, combining to fuel April’s standout defensive displays.

Midfield Maestros Fueling Momentum with Goals and Creativity

The engine room of the NWSL in April belonged to the midfielders who not only shaped matches but also put numbers on the board that mattered. This group combined creativity, vision, and clutch finishes to energize their teams and keep the momentum rolling. Their influence stretched far beyond simple playmaking—they controlled tempo, broke defenses, and seized scoring moments that turned games around. With names like Debinha, Kenza Dali, and Lo’eau LaBonta lighting up the pitch, the midfield showed it’s where moments become magic.

Debinha: Record-Breaking Goal Scoring and Playmaking

Debinha continued her dominance for the Kansas City Current with a historic month that saw her hit significant milestones. On April 12, she scored the 50th regular-season goal of her NWSL career, becoming only the eighth player to cross this plateau. This achievement highlights not just her scoring ability but her longevity and consistency since her 2017 debut.

First player in league history with 15 Best XI selections
Fifth player to reach 50 goals and 25 assists in the league
Led the league in total goal contributions in regular season history

Her blend of sharpness in front of goal and ability to deliver clutch assists ensured she was central to Kansas City’s creative engine. Debinha’s knack to find space and unleash precise finishes makes her a constant threat that defenses worry about every minute she’s on the field.

Kenza Dali: Precision Creator with a First NWSL Goal

Kenza Dali brought a mix of control and deadly accuracy to the San Diego Wave FC midfield. Known for her passing range and vision, April marked a breakthrough moment as she scored her first NWSL goal, a free-kick that ended up as the match-winner. This scoring touch added another dimension to her game, making her a key outlet for the Wave’s attacking moves.

Dali’s ability to influence the tempo stood out as she balanced offense and defense with grace. She set up teammates with well-weighted passes and kept the ball moving efficiently through the midfield. Her creativity did not simply come through flashes but a steady, intelligent presence that helped her team dictate play.

Lo’eau LaBonta: Penalty Expertise and Relentless Control

Lo’eau LaBonta of Kansas City Current was a model of consistency and leadership throughout April. She logged every minute of all six matches, underscoring her role as midfield general and team captain. LaBonta’s passing accuracy was exceptional, helping her team transition smoothly between defense and attack.

One of her standout traits this season has been her penalty-taking ability. She leads the league with three penalty goals in April, tying her for third all-time in NWSL penalty conversions with 12. This clutch scoring ability provides Kansas City with a reliable edge in tight games.

Played every minute in April’s matches
League-leading penalty scorer with 3 in April
High passing accuracy contributing to game control

LaBonta’s blend of tactical awareness and composure under pressure made her indispensable to the Current’s midfield strategy.

Midfield Impact in Driving Team Success

Together, these midfielders exemplify how important the center of the park is for success. They don’t just create chances; they finish them. They don’t just pass the ball; they orchestrate the tempo. Their contributions were key reasons Kansas City Current and San Diego Wave FC controlled so much of the action last month.

Key takeaways from April’s midfield performances:

Versatility to both score and assist, increasing their threat level
Ability to manage possession and pace, dictating how matches unfold
Leadership on and off the ball, often anchoring their teams’ formations
High accuracy in key moments, especially set pieces like penalties and free kicks

April’s midfielders showed how controlling the middle is about more than holding ground—it’s about pushing forward aggressively and finishing with precision. Their goals and creativity fuel momentum that inspires teammates and excites fans. The NWSL April Best XI by Amazon Prime rightly celebrates these central figures who drive both results and style on the pitch.

Forwards Setting the Pace: Esther González and Others Leading the Attack

In April, the NWSL’s attack was ruled by a group of forwards who didn’t just score goals—they shifted momentum and kept their teams charging forward. At the top of this group sits Esther González, whose dominant form earned her the NWSL April Player of the Month accolade. Alongside González, other attacking stars like Barbra Banda and Delphine Cascarino pushed the pace, firing shot after shot and turning chances into crucial points. Let’s take a closer look at how these forwards shaped the story of April and kept defenders on high alert.

Esther González: The Unstoppable Goal Machine

Esther González was nothing short of a revelation in April. Across just four matches, she blasted in seven goals, tying the NWSL record for the most goals scored in a four-game span. This incredible pace puts her at the forefront of the Golden Boot race, three goals clear of any other contender. González’s finishing was clinical—sharp and decisive—and her ability to deliver repeatedly lifted Gotham FC’s attack to new heights.

What stands out is not just the volume but the quality of González’s opportunities. She fired 14 shots on target, leading the league in this category, and posted a league-best expected goals (xG) figure around 3.47 for the month. This means she wasn’t just taking chances at random; she consistently found herself in positions where scoring was highly likely. Three of her goals came as braces in key games, including match-winners that directly impacted Gotham’s rise to fourth place in the table.

González’s knack for finding the net turned Gotham’s offense into a weapon fans couldn’t ignore. Her quick reactions and clinical finishing made every attack feel threatening. Offensively, she’s the kind of player who drags defenders out of position and opens space for teammates. Her presence alone reshaped Gotham’s offensive identity as April unfolded.

Barbra Banda: Power and Persistence in the Box

Barbra Banda continued to raise her profile as one of the league’s most relentless forwards. She combined raw strength with sharp instincts inside the penalty area, constantly testing goalkeepers with her volume of shots. While González may have stolen headlines with her goal tally, Banda’s shot totals and hold-up play made her a constant thorn for defenses.

Banda’s ability to battle physically and win aerial duels gave her team an edge on set pieces and crosses. Her positioning allowed her to latch onto rebounds and second balls, often creating follow-up chances. Even when not scoring, her presence demanded attention, pulling defenders and creating space for others to exploit.

Her sustained pressure and willingness to maintain an aggressive attacking stance helped Orlando Pride carve out scoring chances consistently. Banda played a key role in keeping the Pride’s offense alive through tough matches, showcasing how a forward’s impact isn’t measured by goals alone.

Delphine Cascarino: Crafting Goals Beyond Scoring

Delphine Cascarino brought flair and creativity to the NWSL’s frontline with a mix of goals and assists. She racked up five goals and three assists in April, nearly breaking her club’s assist record in a single month. Cascarino’s game is less about physicality and more about vision and precision.

Her ability to read the defense and exploit gaps made her indispensable in open play. Her crosses, through balls, and timely runs unlocked defenses and set up teammates for easy finishes. She knew how to finish when the opportunity arose, adding a clinical touch to her well-rounded game.

Cascarino’s consistent combination of scoring and creating made San Diego Wave FC’s attack multi-dimensional. She showed how a forward can be both a scorer and playmaker, balancing goal output with the team’s broader offensive flow.

What These Forwards Brought to the Table in April

Goal-scoring firepower: González’s seven goals set the tone for the entire league.
Shot volume and accuracy: Banda’s relentless shooting kept defenses busy.
Playmaking ability: Cascarino’s assists highlighted the importance of creating as well as finishing.
Influence on standings: These forwards helped their teams push up the table with crucial points.
Variety in style: Power, precision, and creativity — all shaping the attack from different angles.

April’s Best XI recognized the strikers who weren’t just waiting for chances but went out to create or seize them. Their attacking runs, quick thinking, and finishing touches made the difference in tight games and lifted their squads’ offensive confidence. For fans, these forwards were the sparks igniting the early season excitement and setting high expectations for what’s ahead.

Conclusion

The NWSL April Best XI by Amazon Prime highlights a dynamic mix of rising stars and seasoned veterans shaping the league’s competitive edge. Players like rookie Lilly Reale and veteran Aubrey Kingsbury show how emerging talent and experience combine to impact every game.

Recognizing these athletes honors their skill, commitment, and influence not just on their teams but on the growing stature of the NWSL. Their performances set the tone for the season and keep fans engaged week after week.

Stay connected with the excitement by following the league and its top players through Amazon Prime’s ongoing coverage. These Best XI selections offer a glimpse of the talent defining women’s soccer today and the promise waiting to unfold in the months ahead.