Gift Monday's Lightning Strike: Shattering NWSL Records with a Historic Hat-Trick

Gift Monday's Lightning Strike: Shattering NWSL Records with a Historic Hat-Trick 

In a match that will echo through the annals of women's soccer, Nigerian sensation Gift Monday unleashed a torrent of goals to etch her name into NWSL folklore. On September 28, 2025, the Washington Spirit demolished the Houston Dash 4-0 at Audi Field, clinching their second straight playoff berth. But it was Monday's blistering first-half hat-trick—netting three goals in just 36 minutes—that stole the show, marking the fastest from kickoff in league history and the first ever for the Spirit at their home fortress.

How She Forged This Unforgettable Legacy

What makes Monday's feat even more remarkable is the buildup. The 22-year-old forward, a key member of Nigeria's Super Falcons, hadn't started for the Spirit in over a month—her last outing in that role was back on August 15. Coach Adrian Gonzalez had been shuffling the striker position amid fierce internal competition from talents like Sofia Cantore and Rosamund Kouassi. Yet, when opportunity knocked, Monday answered with ferocity.The fireworks began in the 18th minute: a pinpoint assist from teammate Trinity Rodman found Monday, who slotted home with ice-cold composure. Just three minutes later, at the 21st mark, she turned provider for herself—heading a Croix Bethune delivery that rebounded kindly, allowing her to pounce and bury it. The coup de grâce arrived in the 36th minute, another Rodman cross met with a lethal one-touch volley. "It's been a minute since I've scored a hat-trick," Monday reflected post-match. "Today it came so fast—based on hard work and team spirit."

Gonzalez praised her humility and grind: "Competition pushes players to be better. She's been communicating well, improving where she needs to."

  Ending a nine-game goal drought, this outburst bumped her season tally to eight goals and two assists, a testament to her sharpened edge during bench time.

Fans Excited moment 

The soccer world lit up like Audi Field's floodlights. On X, Nigerian fans hailed her as a "shooter firmly in her satchel," with one post gushing: "Gift Monday is no ordinary bagswoman... Three goals in 18 minutes to send Washington to the playoffs. GM is getting motion."

Excitement spilled over borders, with calls for her Super Falcons recall after missing WAFCON: "She's done more than enough to earn a return."

Global voices marveled at the history—"Blistering 18-min hat-trick, fastest in NWSL!"—while Spirit supporters chanted her name, blending national pride with club fervor.

Thriving Under the Washington Spirit BannerAll this magic unfolded under the purple-and-white of the Washington Spirit, a club that's become a powerhouse in the NWSL. Founded in 2012, the Spirit boast a roster blending U.S. stars like Rodman with international gems like Monday, fostering an environment ripe for breakthroughs. This win extended their unbeaten streak to 12, solidifying playoff hopes and showcasing the team's depth—especially with Nigerian compatriots like Deborah Abiodun featuring off the bench against Houston's Michelle Alozie.

  For Monday, the Spirit's trust in her rotational role proved pivotal, turning bench frustration into on-pitch dominance.

In conclusion

  Monday's masterclass wasn't just about stats—it's a story of resilience, timing, and tribute. Dedicating her haul to Nigeria ahead of Independence Day on October 1, she called it a "precious gift" to her homeland: "I'm so glad to represent the green, white, green."

As the playoffs loom, expect Monday to keep dazzling. In a league full of trailblazers, she's not just making history—she's redefining it, one thunderous strike at a time. What a ride for the Spirit, and what a gift for the game.

News Source ; LeaguesReporters, ESPN Africa, National Women Soccer League