Super Falcons forward Gift Monday set a new NWSL record with a first-half hat trick as the Washington Spirit sealed their place in the 2025 Playoffs with a 4–0 victory over Houston Dash on Sunday, www.aclsports.com reports.
Monday opened the scoring in the 18th minute after a neat one-two with Trinity Rodman before finishing from a tight angle past goalkeeper Abby Smith. Three minutes later, she doubled the lead, reacting quickest to bundle home after Smith had parried her initial header.
The Nigerian completed her treble in the 36th minute, once again combining with Rodman to convert a cut-back inside the box. It was the Spirit’s first hat trick since Crystal Dunn’s against the Dash in 2015, and only the second in the club history. Her three goals inside 18 minutes also set a new mark for the fastest hat trick from the start of a match in NWSL history.
Monday was substituted at halftime for Sofia Cantore, who went on to add a stylish fourth goal in the 82nd minute, a clever backheel finish from Narumi Miura’s assist.
Compatriot Deborah Abiodun came off the bench for Washington at the restart, while Michelle Alozie was introduced for Houston at the same time.
The emphatic win confirmed Washington as the second team to clinch a playoff berth this season, doing so with four matches still to play.
