Super Falcons forward Gift Monday continues to excite fans in the National Women’s Soccer League after scoring her second NWSL goal in a breathtaking 7-goal thriller on Saturday morning.
Playing in front of their home crowd at Audi Field, Washington Spirit put up a fierce fight but eventually fell 4-3 to Angel City FC in a dramatic contest packed with action, twists, and standout moments, Footballrover reports.
The 23-year-old has now found the net twice in just four appearances since making the switch to the NWSL.
Monday might soon become a fan favourite with her energy, eye for a goal, and unrelenting drive—a special gift.
Gift Monday ignites comeback with second NWSL goal
Washington Spirit were looking to bounce back after a disappointing 3-0 home loss to NJ/NY Gotham FC, but Angel City FC had other plans.
The visitors flew out of the blocks, stunning the home crowd with two early goals—Riley Tiernan struck in the 8th minute off a Mary Alice Vignola assist before Gisele Thompson doubled the lead in the 22nd minute, teed up brilliantly by sister Alyssa.
But the Spirit roared back. Esme Morgan pulled one back in the 30th minute, converting Ashley Hatch’s pass, and Nigerian forward Gift Monday continued her fine form by slamming in the equaliser just four minutes before the interval.
Just five minutes after receiving a yellow card for a rough tackle, the Nigerian international pulled her team back into the game, igniting an exciting atmosphere.
Angel City FC’s goalkeeper rushed out to stop a swift counterattack, but her clearance fell straight to Rosemonde Kouassi.
Kouassi quickly found Gift Monday, who made no mistake, tapping the ball home from the centre of the box into an unguarded net.
Late drama as Washington Spirit fall short despite Monday’s brilliance
The second half was a tense battle, and it was Gisele Thompson who tipped the scales, assisting Katie Zelem’s 72nd-minute winner to seal the points for Angel City.
Yet there was late drama to come. After Monday was subbed off for Chloe Ricketts in the 87th, Morgan stepped up once again in stoppage time, burying her second goal to make it 3-3.
Just when a draw seemed certain, Tiernan pounced again deep into stoppage time—the 98th minute—to seal a thrilling victory for Angel City.
End-to-end action, individual brilliance, and a never-say-die attitude—this was NWSL entertainment at its best.
Despite the defeat, Washington Spirit remain third on the table with 12 points from seven matches.
Before Gift’s move to the United States, she scored 12 goals and registered three assists in 21 games—a form she’s now translating impressively to the NWSL stage.
Next up, Washington Spirit will look to bounce back when they face the Chicago Stars.
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