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Deborah Abiodun opens Washington Spirit account in Champions Cup rout of Vancouver
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
Deborah Abiodun marked her arrival on the continental stage with a stunning first goal for Washington Spirit, sealing a comprehensive 4-0 victory over Vancouver Whitecaps FC in the CONCACAF Women’s Champions Cup on Wednesday night at Audi Field.
The Nigerian midfielder, who has quickly grown into a central figure for the Spirit, crowned a dominant team performance with a thunderous strike in the 81st minute — a goal that drew one of the loudest cheers of the evening from the home crowd.
Washington were sharp from the outset and deservedly took the lead through Tara McKeown on the half-hour mark.
Heather Stainbrook doubled the advantage 10 minutes later, before Trinity Rodman’s clinical finish on the stroke of halftime effectively put the game beyond the visitors.
With the points secured, Abiodun delivered the night’s defining highlight. Picking up the ball outside the box, the Nigerian star unleashed a powerful drive that left the Vancouver goalkeeper rooted to the spot. It was a strike that showcased both her technique and her growing confidence in the Spirit midfield.
The goal capped another commanding display from the 20-year-old, whose energy, composure, and willingness to join the attack have made her one of the team’s standout performers this season.
The win keeps Washington Spirit top of Group B with a perfect record, 11 goals scored and none conceded in their opening two fixtures.
With Abiodun now adding goals to her repertoire, the Spirit look every bit early favourites to challenge for the inaugural Champions Cup title.
For Abiodun, the milestone strike adds to her rapid rise in women’s football, underlining her status as one of the brightest young midfielders on both club and international stage.
