Washington Spirit edged out Portland Thorns 2-1 in a captivating National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) showdown, powered by a breakout performance from Nigerian forward Gift Monday and sealed by a stoppage-time winner from Trinity Rodman.
Washington, hungry to close the gap on league leaders KC Current, wasted no time asserting their intent. And in the 17th minute, Gift Monday delivered.
Timing her run with surgical precision, the 23-year-old forward met a whipped-in cross with composure and class, side-footing the ball home to ignite wild celebrations in the stands.
Signed earlier this year, Monday has quietly grown into one of Washington’s most effective weapons, and this performance marked her official arrival as a force in the league.
The Thorns, known for their resilience, responded just before halftime. Midfielder Olivia Moultrie equalized with a great strike in the 45+3 minute, a blow that threatened to swing the momentum heading into the break.
True to form, the second half turned into a tactical battle. Both sides carved out opportunities, with both goalkeepers rising to the occasion. Just as the match looked destined to end in a stalemate, Rodman stepped up.
In the 90+2 minute, with seconds left on the clock, Trinity Rodman took matters into her own hands. Bursting through the midfield on a swift counter, she danced past her marker, cut inside, and curled the ball into the far corner.
The win catapults Washington Spirit to second place in the NWSL standings with 26 points from 14 games, leapfrogging Orlando Pride and San Diego Wave. Though still trailing KC Current by ten points, this victory keeps Spirit firmly in the title conversation.
