WASHINGTON — Gift Monday stepped up to deliver her fourth goal this season, securing a 3-1 triumph for the Washington Spirit over the North Carolina Courage in the exclusive match of the National Women’s Soccer League on Sunday.
In addition to Monday’s spectacular performance, Courtney Brown and Brittany Ratcliffe also found the net for the Spirit, extending their undefeated streak to four games. Brown bagged her inaugural goal this season in the 24th minute for the Spirit, who now boast a 7-3-1 record. Shortly thereafter, Casey Krueger provided a pristine assist to Ratcliffe, which was skillfully headed to the far post, leaving the opposition stunned.
The Courage (3-5-3) reduced the deficit in the 31st minute when Manaka Matsukubo advanced and deftly lobbed the ball over Spirit’s goalkeeper, Aubrey Kingsbury, into the net, rekindling hopes of a comeback.
However, the Spirit maintained control, with Monday sealing the victory in the 58th minute. She executed a beautifully timed header from a precise cross by Narumi Miura, further solidifying the team’s dominance.
In recent developments, French club OL Lyon announced that Washington Spirit’s current coach, Jonatan Giraldez, would assume the role of head coach starting next month. Giraldez is set to succeed Joe Montemurro, who has been appointed as head coach of the Australian women’s national team. Following Giraldez’s departure, Adrian Gonzalez will step in as the new coach for the Spirit.
Meanwhile, Olympic gold medalist and key forward, Trinity Rodman, was seen at the game, albeit sidelined from playing due to a persistent back injury. Previously receiving treatment in Europe, Rodman is currently in rehabilitation and absent from active competition.