# Kouassi’s Last-Second Heroics Lift Washington Spirit to Thrilling 2-1 Victory Over San Diego

- Link: https://exclusiveaccess.net/kouassis-last-second-heroics-lift-washington-spirit-to-thrilling-2-1-victory-over-san-diego/
- Published: 2025-10-10T00:04:27-04:00
- Author: Hyun Choi

 

 

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.