Gift Monday’s 63rd-minute goal proved decisive as the Washington Spirit secured a 1-0 victory against the Orlando Pride on Saturday. This win marked the first defeat for Orlando in their current National Women’s Soccer League season.
The Spirit, carrying a 4-0-1 record, overcame the odds at Inter & Co Stadium in Orlando, despite the absence of key players such as Olympian Trinity Rodman, who is currently dealing with a back issue.
Despite Orlando’s efforts, with notable plays from Barbra Banda, it was Washington’s Monday who made the most of a defensive oversight. The Nigerian international applied pressure on Orlando goalkeeper Anna Moorehouse, seizing an opportunity after a back pass, and scored from just a yard out.
Orlando, now 4-1-0, could not capitalize on their 20 attempts, six of which were on target, marking their first home loss since August 2023, breaking a 22-match streak.
In another match, the Kansas City Current maintained their unbeaten status with a 2-0 success over the Houston Dash. Lo Labonta struck first from the penalty spot following a foul on Bia Zaneratto. It was Labonta’s 12th successful penalty in her NWSL career.
Kayla Sharples then doubled the lead, connecting with Izzy Rodriguez’s corner in the 62nd minute. Kansas City’s formidable defense achieved its fourth consecutive clean sheet, while the Dash slipped to a 1-3-1 record, winless in their last three outings.
Over in Louisville, Delphine Cascarino inspired the San Diego Wave to a 4-1 victory against Racing Louisville, contributing two goals and an assist. Kenza Dali initiated the Wave’s attack with a free kick in the 17th minute, but Louisville equalized via Ary Borges’s penalty just before halftime.
Melanie Barcenas restored San Diego’s lead with a low drive, assisted by Cascarino, who continued to shine with another goal from outside the box, exploiting a handling error by Louisville’s Katie Lund. Cascarino sealed the triumph, slotting a final goal from 18 yards.
Meanwhile, Bay FC emerged victorious over the North Carolina Courage, with Kiki Pickett’s 33rd-minute strike clinching a 1-0 win. Receiving a high pass from Joelle Anderson, Pickett launched a powerful shot into the top right corner from 21 yards, marking her second goal of the season.
Bay managed to restrict the Courage to five shots, only one of which demanded a save, leaving the home team winless with a record of 0-3-2.
Home Spirit Defeats Pride 1-0 with Gift Monday's Goal