Nigeria forward Gift Monday made history in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) on Sunday, scoring the fastest hat-trick as Washington Spirit thrashed Houston Dash 4-0 at Audi Field.
Monday, 23, struck three times in under 36 minutes, surpassing the previous NWSL record and becoming only the second player in Spirit history to achieve a treble.
She opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a precise finish from a tight angle, before heading in a second goal three minutes later.
Her record-breaking third arrived in the 36th minute, slotting home from a Trinity Rodman cut-back.
Fellow Super Falcons players Deborah Abiodun and Michelle Alozie featured in the match, while Monday was substituted at halftime to a standing ovation. Sofia Cantore added a stylish back-heel in the second half to complete the 4-0 win.
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Gift Monday in action for Washington Spirit. Photo Credit: Spirit/X
The victory secured Washington Spirit a playoff berth and extended their unbeaten run to 10 games, keeping them second in the league behind Kansas City Current.
Houston, without injured goalkeeper Jane Campbell, struggled to contain the relentless Spirit attack.
Spirit coach Adrián González praised Monday’s performance, noting her form adds a significant threat to an already dynamic team.
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Washington will next face Gotham FC in the Concacaf W Champions Cup before hosting San Diego Wave on October 5.
