Carli Lloyd named National Women's Soccer League's Player of the Month

Carli Lloyd was named the National Women's Soccer League's Player of the Month for July.

Carli Lloyd was named the National Women's Soccer League's Player of the Month for July, the league announced Monday. Lloyd was granted the distinction by members of the media who regularly cover the NWSL.

The Houston Dash's midfielder led her team with three goals in three games this July, en route to a 2-0-1 record for the month. 

Lloyd's first goal following her tear at the FIFA Women's World Cup came in her opening match back with the Dash against FC Kansas City, which ended in a 1-1 draw. Her second score came in her team's thrilling 1-0 victory in Week 15 over her former club, the Western New York Flash. Lloyd's last goal of the month came on July 29 and provided late-game dramatics, as it was also the decider in a 3-2 win against FC Kansas City.

• WAHL: Carli Lloyd's rise to World Cup hero​

Lloyd is the first Houston Dash player this season to be named NWSL Player of the Month. 

With Lloyd's help, the Dash moved into the fourth spot in league standings with a 5-5-5 record (20 points) heading into Week 17 of the season. Houston is one point in front of FC Kansas City for the final spot in the four-team NWSL playoffs, which will begin on Sept. 12. 

- Kayla Lombardo