News Summary
The Washington Spirit has clinched a place in the NWSL Playoffs, marking their second consecutive year with a resounding 4-0 victory over the Houston Dash. Forward Gift Monday shone with a historic hat trick, setting a league record for the fastest hat trick from kickoff. Key contributions came from teammate Trinity Rodman, who provided crucial assists, while Sofia Cantore added a fourth goal. This victory brings the Spirit’s record to 12-4-7, placing them second in league standings as they prepare for upcoming matches and potential playoff events.
Washington, D.C. — The Washington Spirit has officially secured its place in the 2025 NWSL Playoffs, clinching a berth for the second consecutive year following a stellar 4-0 victory against the Houston Dash at Audi Field on September 28, 2025. This match marked a significant achievement for the team, providing them with the momentum of a 10-match unbeaten streak.
Forward Gift Monday was the standout player of the game, earning a historic first-half hat trick. This remarkable feat set a new league record for the fastest hat trick from kickoff, achieved in under 36 minutes. Moreover, it was the first-ever hat trick recorded at Audi Field in the history of the NWSL. This achievement adds to the excitement surrounding Monday as she continues to make waves in the league.
Key Moments from the Match
Trinity Rodman played a crucial role in supporting Monday’s scoring streak, providing assists for two of the goals, marking her first assists of the season. The sequence of Monday’s goals included:
- 18th minute: The first goal came with an assist from Rodman, as Monday struck the far post from a tight angle.
- 21st minute: Monday followed up with a second goal, capitalizing on a rebound after a header off a high ball from Croix Bethune.
- 36th minute: The hat trick was completed with a one-time shotgun after yet another cross from Rodman.
Adding to the score, Sofia Cantore scored the fourth goal in the 82nd minute with a backheel flick assisted by Narumi Miura. The Spirit’s defense was equally impressive, maintaining a clean sheet thanks to goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury, who recorded two critical saves in the second half, achieving the team’s eighth shutout of the regular season.
Match Attendance and Standings
The match attracted a crowd of 12,715 fans at Audi Field, emphasizing the team’s strong home-field advantage. With this victory, the Spirit improved their record to 12-4-7, placing them second in the league standings and trailing only the Kansas City Current.
Upcoming Matches and Playoff Details
In light of their playoff berth, season ticket members will have presale access to potential home playoff matches starting September 29, 2025. The Washington Spirit’s next match will be a Concacaf W Champions Cup group stage clash against Gotham FC on Wednesday, followed by an NWSL game against the San Diego Wave FC on October 5.
Contextual Background
The Washington Spirit continues to build on its legacy in the NWSL, having won their first championship in 2021. This year, their strong performance is driven by key players like Gift Monday and Trinity Rodman, along with a solid supporting cast. The team remains committed to securing another NWSL title and has demonstrated the skill and determination needed to achieve their goals.
As the playoffs approach, the Spirit will look to leverage their current form and momentum, aiming for further success in the league and beyond.
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Additional Resources
- Washington Spirit Blog: Gift Monday’s Hat Trick
- WUSA9: Spirit Clinches Playoff Spot
- Houston Chronicle: Dash vs. Spirit Recap
- New York Times: Gift Monday Hat Trick
- USA Today: NWSL Playoff Scenarios
- Wikipedia: National Women’s Soccer League
- Google Search: Washington Spirit Soccer
- Google Scholar: Washington Spirit
- Encyclopedia Britannica: National Women’s Soccer League
- Google News: Washington Spirit Playoffs
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
