Gift Monday Dedicates Player of the Match Award to Teammates After Match-Winning Performance

Washington Spirit striker Gift Monday has dedicated her Player of the Match award to her teammates following her standout performance in their 2-1 victory over Portland Thorns at Audi Field on Sunday, Sport360NG reports.

The Nigerian forward opened the scoring in the 17th minute, reacting quickest in the six-yard box to slot home a low cross and hand Spirit the early advantage. The goal marked her fifth strike of the season and set the tone for revenge against the Thorns, who had beaten them 2-0 in their previous meeting in June.

Portland responded before halftime through Olivia Moultrie, but Washington sealed all three points deep into stoppage time when Trinity Rodman, returning from a back injury, netted the decisive goal.

Monday was deservedly named Player of the Match for her efforts, but the 23-year-old was quick to shift the spotlight.
“This is definitely for the entire team, great teamwork, guys,” she wrote in an Instagram post after the game.

The win briefly propelled the Spirit into second place on the National Women’s Soccer League table, with 26 points from 14 matches, trailing league leaders Kansas City Current by 10 points.

Since her arrival in March from Spanish side UD Tenerife, Monday has been in fine form, contributing five goals and one assist in 11 appearances.

Despite her strong performances at club level, Monday was a surprise omission from Nigeria’s squad for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where the Super Falcons went on to clinch their 10th continental title.

Reacting to her exclusion, Monday shared a heartfelt message on social media, acknowledging her disappointment while maintaining full support for the national team.

“Sometimes the hardest moments reveal the strength of our hearts,” she wrote. “While it hurts and is a tough pill to swallow, I want to make it clear that I hold no grudges, no resentment. I am hale and hearty, fully fit, and still deeply in love with the game and the green-white-green.”

She added, “Though I won’t be on the pitch in Morocco, my heart will be there every step of the way. I remain fully committed to cheering my country from home and supporting the badge we all fight so hard to represent.”

Before her move to the United States, Monday spent two seasons with UD Tenerife in Spain. She previously played for Nigerian clubs FC Robo and Bayelsa Queens in the Nigeria Women’s Football League.