San Diego Wave FC midfielder Kimmi Ascanio has been named to the NWSL Best XI for the month of May. Ascanio has appeared in 38 consecutive matches for the Wave, tied with Kenza Dali for the second-longest streak in Club history. Ascanio has started 10 of San Diego's 13 matches this season. The 18-year-old scored her first goal of the season in dramatic fashion on May 15 against the Washington Spirit at Snapdragon Stadium, heading home a corner kick from Dali in the 89th minute to secure the game-winning goal. She also recorded her third assist of the season in the Club's 2-1 win over Angel City FC on May 9, assisting Dudinha's opening goal. San Diego closed out the first half of the 2026 NWSL season atop the league standings, earning its fifth road win of the year and third clean sheet of the campaign. The Wave's 13 second-half goals are the most of any team in the NWSL this season. Since June 2025, San Diego has also been the league's top road team, collecting 25 points (7-4-3) across 14 away matches — four more than any other club during that span. The NWSL Best XI recognizes the league's top performers each month and is selected by the NWSL Media Association and the league's broadcast talent. The NWSL Best XI for May includes goalkeeper Mandy McGlynn, defenders Janine Sonis, Sam Hiatt, Tierna Davidson, and Kate Del Fava, midfielders Kimmi Ascanio, Manaka Matsukubo, and Croix Buthune, and forwards Temwa Chawinga, Barbra Banda, and Mina Tanaka.