AFCON 2025
Super Falcons forward, Gift Monday continued her stellar run in the NWSL, scoring a crucial goal and leading the Washington Spirit to a commanding 3-1 victory over North Carolina Courage at Audi Field on June 1.
With 17,625 fans in attendance—the sixth-highest in club history—the home crowd brought electric energy, and Monday rose to the occasion.
Returning to Audi Field after a 2-1 road win against Seattle Reign FC, the Spirit wasted no time asserting their dominance against the Courage.
Brittany Ratcliffe played a starring role early, assisting midfielder Courtney Brown for a goal in the 24th minute before netting one herself just three minutes later off a cross from Casey Krueger.
However, the spotlight soon turned to Nigeria’s Gift Monday, who ignited the Spirit’s second-half surge. Known for her pace and power, Monday was a constant threat to the Courage’s back line.
Her persistence paid off in the 58th minute when she calmly slotted home a goal following a well-placed assist from Narumi Miura. The goal marked Monday’s fourth in just eight appearances—further cementing her reputation as one of the league’s most dangerous attackers.
Though the Courage fought back with a flurry of shots, including a first-half goal from Manaka Matsukubo assisted by Feli Rauch, the Spirit’s defense held firm to seal the 3-1 win.
The result places Washington Spirit level on points with Orlando Pride for second place in the NWSL standings.
