Gift Monday Fires Washington Spirit into NWSL Semi-Final with Heroic Display
Nigeria’s Gift Monday was the star of the night as Washington Spirit clinched a dramatic 3–1 penalty shoot-out victory over Racing Louisville in the NWSL quarter-final at Audi Field on Saturday, Nigeriasoccernet.com can report.
The in-form striker broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute, coolly finishing to net her ninth goal of the season and put the Spirit ahead. Her sharp movement and composure under pressure once again underlined her reputation as one of the league’s most clinical finishers.
Racing Louisville, featuring in its first-ever playoff campaign, refused to bow out quietly. Substitute Kayla Fischer struck a stoppage-time equaliser (92'), latching onto a long pass from Courtney Petersen to force extra time after Washington’s earlier dominance.
The Spirit thought they had opened the scoring earlier when Rosemonde Kouassi found the net in the 17th minute, but VAR ruled the goal out for offside.
In the ensuing penalty shoot-out, Hal Hershfelt, Ellie Morgan, and Riley Bernal converted for the Spirit, while Racing’s Ary Borges and Maddie DiGrande saw their efforts saved before Elexa Jean missed the decisive kick.
Goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury, a former NWSL Championship MVP, was the shoot-out hero, producing two vital saves to secure Washington’s progression to the semi-final.
For Racing Louisville, coached by Bez Yanez, the defeat ends what had been a memorable season (10 wins, 10 draws, 7 losses) as they continue building on their historic playoff debut.
The victory marks Washington Spirit’s redemption path, following last year’s semi-final heartbreak against Gotham FC. They will now face the winner between Portland Thorns and San Diego Wave as they continue their pursuit of a second NWSL title.
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