Gift Monday etched her name into the National Women’s Soccer League record books on Sunday by netting the fastest hat-trick from kickoff, leading Washington Spirit to a commanding 4-0 victory over Houston Dash at Audi Field, according to Soccernet.ng.
The 23-year-old Nigerian striker scored three goals in less than 36 minutes, breaking the league’s previous fastest hat-trick record and becoming only the second player in Washington Spirit’s history to achieve a treble.
Three goals from Gift Monday on this brilliant Sunday
Fastest Hat Trick in NWSL History
– Washington Spirit (@WashSpirit) September 28, 2025
Monday’s remarkable scoring spree not only secured Washington Spirit’s place in the playoffs but also established her as one of the most lethal forwards in the league.
Her first goal came in the 18th minute, where she expertly finished from a narrow angle after a precise assist from Trinity Rodman.
THAT ANGLE WAS EVERYTHING pic.twitter.com/4k1f6bAV7T
– Washington Spirit (@WashSpirit) September 28, 2025
Just three minutes later, she increased her tally by soaring above her defender to head in a cross from Croix Bethune.
FIRST WASHINGTON SPIRIT HAT TRICK SINCE 2015
Gift Monday completes her hat trick! https://t.co/9EcAIiqQim pic.twitter.com/875VyXHTU8– National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) September 28, 2025
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The historic third goal was netted in the 36th minute, as Monday calmly converted a smart cut-back from Rodman.
Her outstanding display drew parallels with Crystal Dunn, who recorded the Spirit’s only other hat-trick back in 2015, coincidentally also against Houston. Monday now tops Washington’s scoring leaderboard with eight goals in her debut season.
Other Nigerian internationals also featured: Deborah Abiodun was introduced for Washington at halftime, while Michelle Alozie came on for Houston. Monday was substituted at the break to a standing ovation from the crowd.
Sofia Cantore added flair to the victory with a stylish back-heel goal in the second half, as Spirit players celebrated donning shirts emblazoned with ‘Built for the Fight. Clinched.’
This triumph extended Washington’s unbeaten streak to 10 matches, maintaining their second-place position in the standings (12-4-7), trailing only the Kansas City Current.
Houston (7-12-5), missing their injured goalkeeper Jane Campbell, faced another tough day as backup Abby Smith struggled to contain Washington’s relentless offensive pressure.
For Spirit head coach Adrián González, the emphatic win and Monday’s explosive form provide a significant boost ahead of the playoffs, adding a new dimension to an already dynamic and creative attack.
Washington will next face Gotham FC in the Concacaf W Champions Cup midweek before returning home to host San Diego Wave on October 5, with their playoff spot now confirmed and momentum firmly on their side.
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