Washington Spirit extended their impressive run in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) with a commanding 3-1 victory over North Carolina Courage. And at the heart of it, once again, was Super Falcons forward Gift Monday, whose second-half strike sealed the result and reaffirmed her growing reputation as one of the league’s most clinical finishers.
It was Gift’s fourth goal of a sparkling debut NWSL season, and perhaps the most important yet, coming at a critical moment to snuff out any hopes of a North Carolina comeback and send the home crowd into rapturous celebration.
The contest kicked off with Washington Spirit showing their intent from the very first whistle. They pressed high, moved the ball sharply, and were rewarded with an early breakthrough. In the 24th minute, Courtney Brown capitalized on a defensive lapse to slot home the opener.
Barely had the cheers subsided when Brittany Ratcliffe doubled the lead three minutes later. A slick team move saw Ratcliffe ghost into space and coolly dispatch the ball beyond the Courage goalkeeper, giving the Spirit a deserved 2-0 lead and sending a strong message to the visitors.
To their credit, North Carolina Courage responded with character. Their Japanese import, M. Matsukubo, gave them a lifeline in the 32nd minute, firing in a well-taken goal after a swift counterattack. The visitors suddenly had belief, and for the remainder of the first half, they probed and pressed for an equalizer
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But Washington’s defense, marshaled expertly by captain Amber Brooks and the ever-reliable Andi Sullivan in midfield, held firm to take a narrow advantage into the brea
The second half began with North Carolina Courage pushing forward, seeking the goal that would level the tie. Recognizing the need for fresh legs and attacking spark, Washington Spirit manager Jonatan Giráldez turned to his bench, and onto the pitch came Gift Monday.
In the 58th minute, following a clever passage of play down the right, Ashley Sanchez delivered a teasing cross into the penalty area. The ball deflected off a defender and fell kindly for Gift Monday, who wasted no time in nodding into the net.
