Nigerian striker Gift Monday made history on Sunday by scoring the fastest hat-trick from the start of a match in NWSL history, firing Washington Spirit to a resounding 4-0 win over Houston Dash and securing their place in the playoffs.
The 23-year-old forward’s treble, all in the first half, underlined her growing reputation as one of the league’s deadliest finishers.
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Washington’s No. 9 opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a composed strike past Dash goalkeeper Abby Smith, doubled her tally just three minutes later after reacting quickest to a rebound from a corner.
Mondy Gift sealed her hat-trick in the 36th minute with a smart finish from a Trinity Rodman cross.
Each goal was celebrated in her signature style — a bow-and-arrow mime and dance moves — which, she revealed, carry a personal message.
“Growing up, I didn’t have people who really believed in my potential,” Monday said after the game. “Each time I score, I shoot the arrow because I see myself more than how people see me — right there up in the sky among the stars.”
Her hat-trick, assisted by U.S. internationals Rodman (two) and Croix Bethune (one), makes her only the second Spirit player after Crystal Dunn in 2015 to net a first-half treble.
Spirit manager Adrián González praised Monday’s hunger and resilience:
“Her humility and work ethic among a group of high-caliber attackers earned her this start. That competition helps everyone perform at their best.”
Signed from Spanish club UD Granadilla Tenerife earlier this year,
Monday has now scored eight goals in 19 appearances, placing her in the Golden Boot race alongside Orlando’s Barbra Banda and Chicago’s Ludmila.
The victory also marked a milestone for the Spirit, recording their biggest winning margin in club history and extending their unbeaten run to 10 matches, a new club record.
Next up, the Spirit face Gotham FC in the Concacaf W Champions Cup on Wednesday before hosting San Diego Wave in league play.
