Super Falcons forward, Gift Monday, scored as Washington Spirit secured a 2–0 win over Portland Thorns on Saturday to reach the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Championship Final, www.aclsports.com reports.
Monday opened the scoring for Spirit in the 27th minute, finishing a low cross from Rosemonde Kouassi on a counter‑attack from her own box.
The goal marked the sixth time this season that Kouassi has assisted Monday and the second consecutive play‑off match in which the pair have combined. She now has 13 goal contributions this season in all competitions, 11 goals and two assists.
In the first 10 minutes, she appeared to give her side the lead after sliding home a neat ball from Croix Bethune, only for VAR to rule it offside.
Spirit maintained control throughout the second half, frustrating Portland’s attempts to find a way back into the match. Their advantage was doubled in the 83rd minute when Bethune intercepted a misplaced back pass, rounded goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold, and rolled the ball into an empty net to seal the victory.
Her compatriot, Deborah Abiodun, started on the bench and came on for Leicy Santos in the 73rd minute.
The result sends Washington Spirit into their second consecutive NWSL Championship Final and the fourth in club history. They will face the winner of Sunday’s semi-final between Orlando Pride and Gotham FC on 22 November at PayPal Park in San Jose, California.
