Super Falcons striker Monday Gift delivered another standout performance as Washington Spirit booked their place in the semifinals of the 2025 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Playoffs, defeating Racing Louisville 3–1 on penalties after a 1–1 draw on Saturday night at Audi Field in Washington, D.C.
Monday Gift Breaks the Deadlock
The 23-year-old Nigerian forward opened the scoring in the 72nd minute, rising highest to head home a pinpoint cross from Côte d’Ivoire’s Rosemonde Kouassi. Her ninth goal in the NWSL this season sent the home crowd into celebration and underlined her importance to the Spirit’s attacking setup.
Earlier in the game, Kouassi had seen an effort ruled out for offside, but Monday’s powerful header stood and looked set to send Washington through before late drama unfolded.
She was substituted in the 88th minute after another tireless display that showcased her energy, aerial threat, and intelligent movement.
Louisville Forces Extra Time
Racing Louisville, appearing in their first-ever playoff match and missing injured Nigerian forward Uchenna Kanu, refused to give in. In stoppage time, Kayla Fischer capitalized on a defensive mix-up, lobbing Aubrey Kingsbury in the 92nd minute to force extra time.
Neither side found the net in the additional 30 minutes, leading to the first penalty shootout in NWSL playoff history.
Kingsbury the Hero in Shootout
The Spirit held their nerve in the shootout, converting all three of their penalties, while Kingsbury made two crucial saves to secure a 3–1 win.
Remarkably, this was the third NWSL playoff decided by penalties, and Washington Spirit has been involved in all three. All five of their home playoff games have also gone to extra time.
Monday’s Remarkable Debut Season
The victory capped another milestone in what has been a stellar debut season for Monday Gift in the United States. Across all competitions, she has now scored 12 goals, 11 in the NWSL and one in the CONCACAF Women’s Cup, alongside two assists.
Her compatriot Deborah Abiodun was not included in the matchday squad.
Next Challenge: Portland Thorns
Washington Spirit will now face Portland Thorns in the semifinals on Saturday, November 15, as they chase a place in the NWSL Championship Final for the first time since their 2021 title win.
With Monday Gift in red-hot form, the Spirit will be confident of continuing their fairytale run.
