Gift Monday strikes again as Spirit edges Chicago in five-goal NWSL thriller

Washington Spirit (@WashSpirit)/X

Super Falcons forward Gift Monday continued her fine form on Saturday, netting the decisive goal as Washington Spirit secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over Chicago Stars.

The away side initially took the lead at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview when Alyson Schlegel unluckily directed the ball into her own net at the half-hour mark. However, Canada's Julia Grosso quickly responded for Chicago, leveling the score just five minutes later.

Meanwhile, before the halftime whistle, forward Rosemonde Kouassi put her side in front. It was the Ivorian's first goal with Washington since joining from French side Fleury 91.

The scoring spree continued after the break, with Samantha Staab leveling the score for Chicago in the eight minutes into the second half.

The momentum finally swung again in favour of Washington Spirit when substitute Gift Monday, who came on for Brittany Radcliffe, slotted home the winner in the 82nd minute. The goal marked her third goal for the Washington Spirit since her move from Spanish club Costa Adeje Tenerife.

Washington Spirit now move to third place in the league standings, amassing 15 points from their opening eight matches. Their next match will be a home fixture against Utah Royals on May 18, 2025.