Super Falcons forward, Gift Monday continued her impressive start to life in the NWSL with her second goal in four games for Washington Spirit.
But her clinical volley wasn’t enough to salvage points as Spirit fell 4-3 to Angel City FC in a pulsating encounter at Audi Field on Saturday.
The match had everything—goals, drama, a VAR twist, and a last-gasp winner—but ultimately ended in heartbreak for the home side.
Thompson Sisters Shine as Angel City Start Strong
Angel City FC seized early control, opening the scoring just eight minutes in through Riley Tiernan.
The visitors doubled their lead in the 22nd minute in a special family affair: Alyssa Thompson broke down the flank and found her sister Gisele Thompson, whose return pass was perfectly placed for Alyssa to finish—a memorable sibling link-up.
Spirit Fight Back Through Morgan and Monday
Washington Spirit responded through England defender Esme Morgan, who halved the deficit at the half-hour mark with a composed finish.
The hosts then drew level in the 40th minute thanks to a moment of quality from Monday.
Rosemond Kouassi whipped in a precise cross, and Monday made no mistake—meeting it with a well-timed volley to score her second goal since arriving from Spanish side Costa Adeje Tenerife.
Late Goals and VAR Drama
The parity didn’t last long. Former Manchester United midfielder Katie Zelem restored Angel City’s lead to 3-2 shortly after the break.
Spirit thought they had rescued a point late on when Morgan netted what appeared to be her second of the match in the 89th minute.
The goal stood after a tense VAR review, leveling the score at 3-3.
But just when the hosts looked set to claim a hard-fought draw, Tiernan struck again deep into stoppage time.
A poorly defended corner fell kindly to her, and she slotted home the winner with the final kick of the game, sealing a 4-3 win for Angel City.
Monday’s Momentum Continues
Despite the loss, Monday’s growing influence on the Spirit attack is evident.
The Nigerian forward has now scored twice in four appearances, bringing pace, flair, and finishing power to the NWSL side since her January switch from Spain.
Washington Spirit remain fourth on the NWSL table with 12 points from seven matches.
They will aim to bounce back when they face the Chicago Red Stars on May 10, 2025.
