Super Falcons forward, Gift Monday, scored as Washington Spirit advanced to the semifinals of the National Women’s Soccer League playoffs with a 3–1 penalty shootout win over Racing Louisville on Saturday, www.aclsports.com reports.
Monday put the Spirit ahead in the 72nd minute, rising to head home her ninth league goal of the season from a precise cross by Côte d’Ivoire forward Rosemonde Kouassi. Earlier in the first half, the Spirit had a Kouassi goal disallowed, denying them an early lead. Monday was substituted in the 88th minute after another impressive performance in her debut NWSL season.
Racing Louisville, who were without injured Super Falcons striker Uchenna Kanu, were making their first-ever playoff appearance and drew level in stoppage time through substitute Kayla Fischer, who latched onto a bouncing ball and chipped it over goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury in the second minute of stoppage time.
With neither side able to find a winner through extra time, the quarterfinal clash went to penalties, the first in NWSL playoff history. Kingsbury proved decisive, saving two of Louisville’s four spot-kicks while the Spirit converted all three to secure a 3–1 shootout victory.
This marked the third instance of an NWSL playoff being decided via a penalty shootout, and Washington Spirit have been part of all three. Notably, every one of their five home playoff matches has required extra time.
Monday’s fellow Nigerian, midfielder Deborah Abiodun, was absent from the Spirit’s matchday squad. The team will now face the winner of Sunday’s quarterfinal between Portland Thorns and San Diego Wave at home.
