Super Falcons forward, Gift Monday scored the only goal in Washington Spirit’s hard-fought victory over top-seeded Orlando Pride at Exploria Stadium.

The 22-year-old forward marked her first-ever NWSL start with a match-winning performance, capitalizing on a defensive miscue to seal the Spirit’s first regular-season win in Orlando since October 2019.

The victory also snapped the Pride’s impressive 22-match home unbeaten streak, dating back to March 2024.

How It Happened

Orlando commanded 62% possession, fired six shots, and made 14 entries into Washington’s penalty area within the opening half-hour. However, the Spirit stood firm defensively.

Goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury, making her 150th regular season appearance, was pivotal in maintaining the clean sheet.

She made six crucial saves and marshaled her backline brilliantly, earning her third consecutive shutout.

Washington’s defense, led by Tara McKeown, managed to contain the electric Barbra Banda, Orlando’s star attacker, for most of the night.

Banda’s early second-half effort was the closest the Pride came to breaking the deadlock, but Kingsbury was up to the task once again.

Monday’s Moment

The breakthrough came in the 60th minute. Just minutes after Rosemonde Kouassi came on for Ashley Hatch, who exited due to a concussion, Gift Monday made her mark.

Applying high pressure on Orlando goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse during a clearance, Monday pounced on a loose ball, intercepting the attempt and calmly slotting it into the net.

It was a poacher’s goal, full of instinct and grit, and proved to be the difference on the night.

Late Drama and VAR Twist

Orlando, who hadn’t trailed at home all season, responded with urgency.

They pushed forward relentlessly and thought they had drawn level in the 83rd minute from a corner kick.

However, after a VAR review, Kylie Nadaner was judged to have fouled Kingsbury in the build-up, and the goal was disallowed — a heartbreaking moment for the home crowd.

Standings Impact

The Washington Spirit, now 4-1-0 with 12 points, remain firmly in contention near the top of the NWSL table.

Orlando, despite the loss, continues to lead the standings but now faces questions after a rare lapse at home.

Christy Ucheibe Sparks SL Benfica Comeback in Taça de Portugal Semi-Final Draw

Nigerian midfielder, Christy Ucheibe played a crucial role in helping SL Benfica Women rally from two goals down to secure a 2-2 draw against Valadares Gaia in the first leg of the Taça de Portugal semi-final on Saturday.

Playing at the Caixa Futebol Campus, the reigning Portuguese champions endured a slow start as the visitors stunned the home crowd with an early two-goal cushion.

Early Setback for Benfica

Valadares Gaia took the lead in the 22nd minute through Carolina Santiago, and just two minutes after the restart, Erica Parkinson doubled the visitors’ advantage with a clinical finish.

Ucheibe Leads the Response

Benfica’s response began in the 57th minute when Ucheibe, a standout performer for both club and country, pounced to reduce the deficit with a well-taken goal.

It was her first strike in the Taça de Portugal this season, adding to her two goals and one assist in the league.

The comeback was completed ten minutes later, when Andreia Norton netted the equalizer — her second goal in as many games, having also scored in Benfica’s 3-0 league win over Valadares Gaia, a result that secured the 2024/25 Campeonato Nacional Feminino title.

Second Leg Set for April 24

With the tie finely poised at 2-2, both sides will battle again in the second leg on April 24, 2025, for a spot in the final of Portugal’s premier domestic cup competition.