Gift Monday Fires Washington Spirit to NWSL Final

Super Falcons forward Gift Monday delivered a decisive performance for Washington Spirit on Saturday, scoring the crucial opening goal that propelled her team to a 2-0 victory over Portland Thorns and secured a place in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Championship final. The win, secured in front of a passionate, sold-out crowd at Audi Field in Washington D.C., sends the Spirit to their second consecutive NWSL final.

The Nigerian striker opened the scoring for the Washington Spirit in the 27th minute with a classic counter-attacking goal. The play was sparked by a Portland Thorns corner kick that was cleared out. Winger Rosemounde Kouassi sprinted down the field with blistering pace, covering approximately 80 yards before delivering a perfect cross to Monday, who calmly slotted the ball home from close range. This goal marked a significant achievement for the 24-year-old, as it was her 12th goal in the NWSL this season, with six of those goals being assisted by Kouassi. Monday has also contributed significantly outside of the league, having scored once in the CONCACAF Women’s Cup and registering two assists across all competitions.

The victory was sealed in the 83rd minute by midfielder Croix Bethune, who broke free in space, dribbled past the onrushing Portland Thorns goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold, and finished into an empty net to make the score 2-0.

Monday’s international teammate, Deborah Abiodun, also featured in the crucial semi-final. The midfielder was introduced as a substitute for Leicy Santos 18 minutes from time, helping the Spirit solidify their midfield control and see out the clean-sheet victory.

With this win, the Washington Spirit have advanced to the NWSL Championship final for the second consecutive year and the fourth time in the club’s history. They will face the winner of Sunday’s second semi-final match between Gotham FC and the Orlando Pride in the final, which is scheduled to take place next weekend in San Jose, California. The Spirit will be aiming to make up for last season’s final, where they were defeated 1-0 by the Orlando Pride.