Gift Monday bags Hat Trick as Washington Spirit defeats Houston Dash 4-0 in NWSL

Nigerian international Gift Monday has made history in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).

Monday scored the fastest hat trick from the start of a match, propelling the Washington Spirit to a commanding 4-0 victory over the Houston Dash.

Monday’s heroics began in the 18th minute when she capitalized on a pass from teammate Trinity Rodman to beat Houston goalkeeper Abby Smith.

In the 21st minute, she doubled her tally with a header off a cross from Croix Bethune.

The hat trick was sealed in the 36th minute with a slick finish, again assisted by Rodman before showing off her signature bow-and-arrow celebration.

The 23-year-old Super Falcons star completed her feat in just 35 minutes and 52 seconds, surpassing the previous record set by Barbra Banda earlier in the season.

At halftime, Monday was substituted for Sofia Cantore, while Nigerian midfielder Abiodun Deborah replaced Hal Hershfelt.

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Cantore sealed the win in the 82nd minute, scoring the fourth goal with an assist from Narumi Miura, capping off a dominant performance

The victory extended the Spirit’s unbeaten streak to 12 matches, solidifying their position as the third-place team in the NWSL standings.

The heroics from Monday secured the Spirit’s second consecutive playoff berth and are among the favorites for the title.

Monday joined the Washington Spirit after a massive season with Costa Adeje Tenerife in Spain, signing a three-year contract with an option for 2028.