Gift Monday strikes again as Washington Spirit secure NWSL final

Nigerian forward Gift Monday was on the score sheet again as National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Washington Spirits as they officially stamped their ticket back to the league Championship final.

Washington Spirit defeated Portland Thorns 2-0 in front of a sell-out crowd of 19,365 at Audi Field on Saturday.

The 2024 runners-up dominated the early minutes of the match and broke the deadlock with a Monday goal in the 23rd minute through a lengthy transition, with teammate Rosemonde Kouassi committing to a 100-yard sprint the opposite way after defending a Thorns set piece ending the first half 1-0.

Croix Bethune sealed the match for Washington Spirits in the 83rd minute when she tapped the ball into an empty net. Nigerian midfielder Deborah Abiodun also featured as a substitute in the game.

The goal brings the 24-year-old goal tally in the NWSL to 10, as she also scored once in the CONCACAF Women’s Cup, and registered two assists.

Washington Spirits will face the winner of Sunday’s semifinal between Orlando Pride and NJ/NY Gotham FC.