The Washington Spirit handed reigning NWSL champion Orlando Pride its first loss of 2025 on Saturday with a 1-0 win despite a slew of injuries for the visitors. Nigerian international Gift Monday sealed the victory in the 63rd minute in her second game for the Spirit.
Ahead of the match, Washington listed eleven players as unavailable, including star forward Trinity Rodman, who stepped away from team activities to address her continuing back issues. The team confirmed her indefinite absence a few hours before the match. The Spirit has been battling injuries since the beginning of the season.
“The strength of this team is the sum of the players, and we’ve always had a strong sense of togetherness,” captain Aubrey Kingsbury told reporters after the match. “There are a lot of people that we wish were out there on the field with us, and hopefully, some will be getting back soon here, but everyone who’s got an opportunity to play has stepped up and done really well.
“I am really proud of just our versatility and the overall fight and togetherness.”
Spirit midfielder Leicy Santos was listed as questionable due to an ankle injury before the game. She subbed on in the second half but left the field for to get treatment on her lower leg. During the match, the Spirit’s…
