Washington Spirit’s Gift Monday scores fastest hat-trick in NWSL history

Nigerian forward Gift Monday made history National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) as she scored the fastest hat-trick in the league powering the Washington Spirit to a dominant 4-0 victory over the Houston Dash at Audi Field on Sunday.

The Super Falcons forward wasted no time stamping her authority on the match, breaking the deadlock in the 18th minute with a composed finish.

Historic moment arrived in the 37th minute

Just three minutes later, she doubled the advantage with another precise strike, leaving the Houston backline in disarray.

The historic moment arrived in the 37th minute. After the Spirit won possession high up the pitch, a quick interchange of passes resulted in Monday being isolated one-on-one with the keeper.

She executed a deft chip, completing her hat-trick in just 37 minutes of play, etching her name into the NWSL history books as the scorer of the earliest hat-trick from kickoff in the league’s history.

With the game effectively sealed by halftime, Spirit coach Mark Parsons withdrew Monday early in the second half, giving Italian forward Sofia Cantore some minutes.

Victory consolidates Washington Spirit’s position in second place

Cantore, subsequently netted the fourth goal, securing the comprehensive 4-0 final scoreline. Reacting to the victory a visible excited Monday said it was team effort that got her the goals

“I’m so happy and grateful to God that I could bring all the training to the game. Thanks to my teammates that they could read my runs and they were able to put the ball where it should be, it’s a team work.”

On the opposing side, fellow Nigerian Michelle Alozie was introduced in the second half for Houston Dash, but she could do little to alter the outcome.

The victory consolidates Washington Spirit’s position in second place on the NWSL standings, though they still trail leaders Kansas City Current by a significant 16-point margin.