Super Falcons star Gift Monday continues her spectacular form in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), netting another crucial goal to help her team, Washington Spirit, secure a significant home win over North Carolina Courage on Sunday evening.
Monday, who played for 74 minutes and took two shots, rounded off the scoring as Washington Spirit defeated the visiting North Carolina Courage 3-1 at Audi Field, Footballrover reports.
Gift Monday delivers against North Carolina Courage
This was her fourth goal of the NWSL season in just eight matches, where she also boasts an assist.
The Spirit returned to Audi Field after a 2-1 away win against Seattle Reign FC on May 23, ready to face the North Carolina Courage.
From the start, the Spirit wasted no time attacking North Carolina’s defence, sending shots toward the net.
Brittany Ratcliffe immediately made an impact, assisting and scoring a goal in the first half.
Even though the Courage kept most of the ball in the first half, the Spirit broke through with a cross from Ratcliffe, leading to a goal from midfielder Courtney Brown in the 24th minute.
Just three minutes later, Ratcliffe headed the ball into the net courtesy of a pass from Casey Krueger.
The Courage side responded with a goal from midfielder Manaka Matsukubo, assisted by Feli Rauch, in the 32nd minute.
Another goal for Super Falcons star Gift Monday
The Spirit started the second half quickly, creating multiple scoring chances, and after several attempts, Gift Monday finds the net for the Spirit with a beautiful header barely 13 minutes after the interval.
Monday was a game-changer in attack for the home side, leading many attacks against the Courage’s defence line all through the match.
However, the visitors held tight and tried to fight back, taking four shots in less than three minutes, but the Spirit’s defence proved strong to break through.
At the end of the final whistle, the Spirit secured a 3-1 victory over the North Carolina Courage.
This win places the Spirit tied on points with Orlando for second place in the NWSL standings.
Gift Monday, who was not part of the Super Falcons’ squad for their friendly win against Cameroon, will now join her teammates to prepare for an away match against Portland Thorns FC at Providence Park in Oregon on Sunday, June 15.
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