The Washington Spirit claimed their second straight victory on Sunday afternoon in dramatic fashion, as forward Rosemonde Kouassi delivered a stunning last-minute winner to secure a 2-1 triumph over San Diego Wave FC. The electrifying finish came before 17,422 fans at Audi Field—the fifth-largest regular season crowd in club history. Kouassi’s performance marked her first NWSL brace, cementing her place as the hero of the match.
The Spirit came out strong, dictating the tempo from the opening whistle. In the ninth minute, Kouassi opened the scoring with a powerful header off a cross from Deborah Abiodun, who tallied her first career NWSL assist after winning a loose ball. Ten minutes later, Trinity Rodman nearly doubled the lead with a sharp run into the box, forcing San Diego goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan into a key save. Kouassi was close to capitalizing on the rebound, but a Wave defender managed to clear the danger.
Gift Monday continued to showcase her attacking prowess, accounting for nearly half of the Spirit’s first-half shots. The hosts stayed on the front foot, with Croix Bethune weaving through defenders late in the half before sending her shot just wide in stoppage time.
The second half brought more intensity and physicality as both teams battled for control. In the 53rd minute, defender Gabby Carle tested Sheridan again with a well-placed strike, as the Audi Field crowd—decked out in blackout attire—kept the energy high. Rodman displayed her all-around game, contributing defensively with a crucial block in the 70th minute while also firing seven shots throughout the contest.
As the clock wound down, the Spirit continued pressing for a winner, with late efforts from Monday and substitute Narumi Miura. However, in the fifth minute of stoppage time, San Diego appeared to steal a point when Delphine Cascarino converted a pass from Kyra Carusa to level the score.
But the Spirit refused to settle. Just minutes later, Kouassi struck again—this time from well outside the box—launching a breathtaking shot that soared over Sheridan’s reach and into the back of the net. The goal, coming in the eighth minute of stoppage time, sealed all three points for Washington and ignited jubilant celebrations across Audi Field.
With the win, the Spirit not only extended their streak but also showcased their resilience and flair for late-game magic—qualities that continue to define their 2025 campaign.
