Super Falcons striker, Monday Gift was once again at the heart of the action as Washington Spirit advanced to the semifinals of the 2025 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Playoffs with a 3–1 penalty shootout victory over Racing Louisville on Saturday night.
The quarterfinal clash, played at Audi Field in Washington D.C., ended 1–1 after extra time before the Spirit triumphed from the spot, with goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury producing two crucial saves to seal the win.
Monday Gift Breaks the Deadlock
Monday gave the home fans reason to celebrate in the 72nd minute when she rose highest to meet a precise cross from Côte d’Ivoire forward Rosemonde Kouassi, nodding home her ninth NWSL goal of the season.
The Nigerian’s well-timed header put the Spirit in front after they had seen an earlier Kouassi effort disallowed for offside in the first half.
It was another energetic performance from the 23-year-old Super Falcons forward, who has been instrumental in Washington’s attacking play throughout the season. Monday was substituted in the 88th minute.
Washington Spirit Wins on Penalty Shootout
Racing Louisville, making their first-ever playoff appearance, refused to bow out quietly. Despite missing injured Nigerian forward, Uchenna Kanu, they continued to press and were rewarded in stoppage time when substitute Kayla Fischer pounced on a loose ball and lobbed Kingsbury in the 92nd minute, forcing extra time.
Neither side managed to break the deadlock through the additional 30 minutes, setting up a penalty shootout, the first in NWSL playoff history.
Washington Spirit held their nerve in the shootout, converting all three of their spot-kicks while Kingsbury saved two of Louisville’s four efforts to seal a 3–1 victory.
The win marked the third time an NWSL playoff has been decided by penalties and notably, the Spirit have been involved in all three. Impressively, all five of their home playoff matches have gone to extra time.
Monday Gift Enjoys Remarkable Debut Season
Monday Gift continues her outstanding debut campaign in the United States. Across all competitions, the Nigerian international has now recorded 12 goals, 11 in the NWSL and one in the CONCACAF Women’s Cup, along with two assists.
Her compatriot, Deborah Abiodun, was absent from the Spirit’s matchday squad.
Next Challenge: Portland Thorns Await
With the win, Washington Spirit advance to the NWSL Playoffs semifinals, where they will face Portland Thorns on Saturday, November 15.
The Spirit will aim to continue their fairytale run, with Monday expected to play a central role once again as they chase a return to the NWSL Championship final for the first time since their 2021 title triumph.
Read More: Monday Gift Makes NWSL History with Record Hat-Trick as Spirit Clinch Playoff Spot
Read More: Monday Gift ‘Hopes’ to Get Called-Up to the Super Falcons Camp
Read More: Madugu Clears the Air on Omitting Monday Gift from Super Falcons Squad
Match Summary:
Washington Spirit 1–1 Racing Louisville (Spirit win 3–1 on penalties)
72’ – Gift Monday (Spirit)
90+2’ – Kayla Fischer (Louisville)
Next Match: Washington Spirit vs Portland Thorns
Saturday, November 15 (NWSL Playoffs Semifinal)
