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As the saying goes, \u201cApril showers bring May flowers,\u201d we saw stunning plays and players blossom on the field. From goalscorers to crafty assists, the NWSL had a month to remember. Here we\u2019ll reflect on the current league <\/span>stats<\/span><\/a> and the amazing talent that was on full display in the month of May.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Mackenzie Arnold for the Portland Thorns has been outstanding between the goal posts. In 10 games played, she has 40 recorded saves. Incredible! Along with this, in half of her games played, she was able to keep a shutout against her opponents. She has risen to the occasion as Portland continues to make waves up the ladder.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Barbra Banda is at the top of the shots list with 48 in 12 games played. With her aggressive style of play on the attacking line, it comes to no surprise that she is at the top. Any goalkeeper facing Banda can expect a handful of attempts coming from the Zambian soccer star.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Banda again sits at the top of the shots on goal category. There is no shock here since she has recorded the most shots. Yet, her accuracy is quite scary to say the least. In the 12 games she has played, she has shot at goal 27 times. Banda\u2019s talent continues to soar and there\u2019s no doubt she\u2019ll continue making a massive impact in the league.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n From the Utah Royals, who are having a phenomenal run this season, Mina Tanaka has shown excellent on-ball skill. Her ability to weave through opponents and set up her teammates is outstanding. She leads the league in assists, despite being tied with many other players, with 4 assists in only 10 games. It is the amount of games she has played that places her at the top, but Tanaka\u2019s skill, along with this games-played edge she holds, can potentially lead her to be the league\u2019s leading assist leader for months to come.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Now, our current goal-scoring leader happens to be the same goalscorer from our earlier look at state leaders. Barbra Banda having 11 goals at this point of the season seems fitting since she has proven to be an exquisite finisher and threat whenever near the opposing goal. She has nearly matched her goals with the amount of games she has played, with 12 games under her belt so far.\u00a0<\/p>\n Can she continue to rise and stay at the top of the goal-scoring list? She is surely capable, but other players, like Ashley Sanchez (NC Courage) and Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns) have shown amazing efforts and top-tier finishing in their latest performances. It is set to be a fun season with all the talent on full display in the months ahead. Stay updated and alert for the latest in the NWSL!<\/p>\n Featured image via @minatanaka_official<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n <\/div>\nSaves<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
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