Nigeria’s Gift Monday made history in the National Women’s Soccer League on Sunday, scoring the quickest hat-trick in league history to inspire Washington Spirit to a 4-0 victory over Houston Dash and seal a playoff berth.
The 23-year-old forward struck three times inside the opening 36 minutes at Audi Field, etching her name into the record books with the fastest treble from the start of a match (35:52). It was only the second hat-trick in Spirit history and extended their unbeaten run to 10 games.
Monday opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a smart finish from a tight angle, drilling across the face of goal into the far corner. She doubled her tally barely three minutes later, rising highest to nod in Croix Bethune’s lofted delivery. The Nigerian international then completed her hat-trick in the 36th minute, coolly slotting home after being set up by Trinity Rodman.
The only previous Spirit hat-trick also came against Houston, scored by Crystal Dunn in 2015. Monday now leads her team’s scoring chart with eight goals.
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The hat-trick hero was removed at the start of the second half, while international teammate, Deborah Abiodun was also introduced by for Spirit at the start of the second stanza, while another Super Falcons player Michelle Alozie also came in for Houston Dash.
Sofia Cantore added a stylish fourth with a back-heel flick in the second half to wrap up the win, as the Spirit celebrated clinching their postseason spot by wearing T-shirts with the words: “Built for the Fight. Clinched.”
Washington (12-4-7) remain second in the NWSL standings behind Kansas City Current. Houston (7-12-5), missing first-choice goalkeeper Jane Campbell through injury, saw Abby Smith step in but struggle to keep out the Spirit’s relentless attack.
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