Racing Louisville midfielder Savannah DeMelo was named to May’s NWSL Best XI of the Month, presented by Mastercard, becoming the fourth player in Racing’s brief history to receive the honor.
DeMelo, a first-year player from California, also finished second in voting for NWSL Rookie of the Month, presented by Ally.
The monthly awards, announced on Monday, were voted on by NWSL Media Association.
“It’s such a huge accomplishment – I’m super grateful for the accolade,” DeMelo said, “but I wouldn’t have gotten that accolade without my team. We’ve all been doing really well together, and I’m excited to see where we go in the next couple months.”
The 24-year-old scored a highlight-reel free-kick goal from 27 yards out in Racing’s 1-0 win over league-leading San Diego on May 18, the team’s first victory of the 2022 NWSL regular season. She has started all seven matches this campaign, playing the third-most minutes on the team, and is in the league’s top 20 for goals added per game, according to American Soccer Analysis.
DeMelo’s versatility has been instrumental in helping Racing end May with a 2-2-2 record. Primarily a central attacking midfielder in college, she has played on the wing and in the defensive midfield in addition to her attacking midfield role.
According to Opta stats, DeMelo ranks among the league’s best in several categories, including first in tackles, fouls won, fouls won in the attacking third of the field and possessions won in the middle-third; fifth in chances created; sixth in recoveries; and tied for 16th in interceptions.
A graduate of the University of Southern California, DeMelo was the fourth pick in the 2022 NWSL Draft, one of Racing’s two first-round selections alongside fellow midfielder and roommate Jaelin Howell.
