Nigeria international, Deborah Abiodun registered her first-ever NWSL assist as Washington Spirit edged San Diego Wave 2–1 in a thrilling clash on Sunday afternoon.
In front of 17,422 fans at Audi Field, (the fifth-highest regular season attendance in club history), the Super Falcons midfielder played a crucial role in setting the tone for the match, as Côte d’Ivoire forward, Rosemonde Kouassi netted a brace, including the winner in the 98th minute.
Abiodun featured for the entire 90 minutes, anchoring the midfield with defensive grit and quick transitions.
She picked up a yellow card in the 69th minute for a tactical foul but remained composed to help her team control the game’s tempo.
Deborah Abiodun Sets the Stage Early
The Spirit started strongly and were rewarded in the 9th minute when Abiodun pounced on a loose ball, showed excellent vision to cut back inside, and delivered a precise cross into the box.
Kouassi made no mistake, rising highest to head home and give the hosts a 1–0 lead.
The assist was Abiodun’s first in the NWSL, growing her influence in the midfield since joining Washington earlier in the season.
Moments later, Trinity Rodman almost doubled the advantage after a dazzling solo run, but her low shot was denied by Wave goalkeeper, Kailen Sheridan.
Gift Monday Threatens, Spirit Stay On Top
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Gift Monday continued to showcase her attacking instincts, recording four of Washington’s nine first-half shots.
The Spirit kept pushing for a second goal, with midfielder Croix Bethune narrowly missing just before halftime following some brilliant footwork in stoppage time.
The second half turned into a physical battle, with both sides creating chances.
Defender Gabby Carle went close with a powerful strike in the 53rd minute, while Rodman impressed with her relentless work rate, taking seven shots and even blocking a key San Diego attempt defensively in the 70th minute.
Read more: Super Falcons Star Deborah Abiodun Speaks on World Cup, Dallas Move
Read more: Monday Gift Makes NWSL History with Record Hat-Trick as Spirit Clinch Playoff Spot
Cascarino Equalizer Stuns Late… but Kouassi Strikes Again
Despite Washington’s dominance, San Diego found a way back deep into stoppage time.
In the 95th minute, Delphine Cascarino received a smart pass from Kyra Carusa inside the box and fired past goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury to level the score at 1–1.
Jjust when the game looked destined to end in a draw, in the 98th minute, substitute Sofia Cantore, who had replaced Gift Monday in the 82nd minute, set up Kouassi who curled a stunning strike from outside the box over Sheridan to seal all three points and complete her first-ever NWSL brace.
Spirit Maintain Second Spot
With the victory, Washington Spirit remain second in the NWSL standings with 43 points from 23 matches, trailing leaders Kansas City Current by 13 points, although the Current have a game in hand.
The Spirit have now won back-to-back matches and continue to build momentum ahead of the playoffs.
Washington Spirit will travel to face North Carolina Courage on Saturday, October 12, before returning home for their final regular season match against Orlando Pride on October 18.
