Super Falcons forward, Monday Gift delivered a performance for the ages on Sunday, scoring a first-half hat-trick to power NWSL side, Washington Spirit to a 4–0 win over Houston Dash, securing their second consecutive NWSL playoff berth.
Her treble, completed in just under 36 minutes, set a new NWSL record for the fastest hat-trick from kickoff and was the first-ever hat-trick scored at Audi Field in NWSL history.
Monday Gift Powers Spirits with Magical First Half
Sunday’s fixture was the second and final regular-season clash between Washington and Houston in 2025. The opening stages were fast-paced, with both sides eager to take control.
The breakthrough arrived in the 18th minute when Trinity Rodman surged upfield and slipped a clever pass to Monday, who calmly slotted the ball past the keeper for 1–0.
Only three minutes later, Monday struck again. Following a cross from Croix Bethune, her initial header was parried, but she reacted quickest to smash home the rebound, making it 2–0 by the 21st minute.
Her historic moment came in the 36th minute, when Rodman whipped in another teasing ball and Monday met it with a precise one-touch finish, completing her hat-trick in record time.
“It’s been a minute since I have scored a hat trick,” Monday said post-match.
“Today it came so fast and I think it is just based on hard work and team spirit.”
“Also I would want to say a very big thank you to my coach for trusting me and giving me the opportunity to start this game because I think that hat trick has been waiting for me for a very long time.”
“This is my gift to Nigeria” — Monday Gift dedicates hat-trick
The match is more special for Monday, who announced her return in spectacular fashion, having not start in several weeks but marked her return in spectacular fashion.
The 22-year-old forward dedicated her record-breaking display to Nigeria, ahead of the country’s Independence Day on October 1.
“Playing for the Super Falcons is a very big honour for me,” Monday said.
“I am always more than happy to represent the green white green. I am so, so glad to give Nigeria this precious gift.”
“I don’t know how I ended up like this today but I am grateful and I think that today is just specially for me.”
Sunday was her first start since August 15, following a period where head coach Adrián González rotated the striker position among Sofia Cantore, Croix Bethune, and Rosemonde Kouassi.
“It could be that the time off has helped her. I think right now we are having huge competition between us and sometimes players need to feel it,” González explained.
“That competition helps you to be even better because if not, there are other players that can get that spot.”
“I think she is very humble and hardworking. We’ve had good communication about things she can improve on.”
“Now that competition is higher, it pushes everyone. We want as many players ready to compete, and that’s a positive.”
Monday agreed that her time out of the starting lineup helped sharpen her game:
“I saw that as an opportunity to improve on myself. So I just did what I had to do, try to improve, see what I am not doing well.”
“Coming back to the starting list is an opportunity because we have a lot of great players in the team, so I am just always grateful when I get to start and do my best to make good use of the opportunity.”
Monday was substituted at halftime, laying just 45 minutes of the game.
Washington Spirit Seal Win and Playoff Berth
The Spirit carried their dominance into the second half, forcing four shots on target within 15 minutes after the restart.
Goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury made two key saves to preserve the clean sheet — her 45th career regular-season shutout.
In the 82nd minute, Croix Bethune launched a breakaway, with a stylish backheel finish, finding Narumi Miura, who fed Sofia Cantore.
The final whistle confirmed Washington Spirit’s eighth shutout of the 2025 regular season and locked in their playoff spot.
Later, Washington Spirit will travel for a Concacaf W Champions Cup group-stage fixture against Gotham FC on Wednesday before hosting San Diego Wave FC at Audi Field on October 5 for their Fan Appreciation match.
Match Summary
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Date: Sunday, September 28, 2025
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Venue: Audi Field, Washington D.C.
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Kickoff: 1:00 p.m. EDT
| Team | 1H | 2H | FT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | 3 | 1 | 4 |
| Houston | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Goals:
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18’ — Gift Monday (assist: Trinity Rodman)
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21’ — Gift Monday
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36’ — Gift Monday (assist: Trinity Rodman)
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82’ — Sofia Cantore (assist: Narumi Miura)
Cards:
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WAS — Gift Monday (30’)
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HOU — Yazmeen Ryan (45+2’)
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HOU — Michelle Alozie (50’)
Nigerian Impact
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Gift Monday: 3 goals (18’, 21’, 36’), 1 yellow card, substituted HT.
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Michelle Alozie (Houston): Unused substitute.
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Deborah Abiodun (Washington): Unused substitute.
