The Washington Spirit were able to be only the second team to clinch a playoff spot this season by winning against the Houston Dash 4-0 at home. A first half hat trick by forward Gift Monday and a back-heel score in the second half by Sofia Cantore not only gave them the win, but kept them securely in second place in the league standings with a 6 point lead over Gotham.
Monday’s hat trick was only the second ever for the Spirit (Crystal Dunn scored one in 2015) and was the earliest hat trick in league history. Her first goal came after a cross from Trinity Rodman. Dash goalkeeper Abby Smith came out to try to break up the play, but Monday was able to move around her and send the ball into the far side netting. Then three minutes later after a short corner kick, Croix Bethune sent a ball into the box. Monday headed the ball down, but it was blocked by they Dash goalkeeper. Monday quickly pounced on the rebound and scored her second goal of the afternoon. The final goal came in the 36th minute after another ball across the box by Rodman. Monday was able to just redirect the ball past Smith and get the team up 3-0 before the half.
The second half was a bit more balanced at first, with the Dash having a good shot on goal in the 48th minute, but Spirit goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury was able to bat it away and luckily for the home side, the follow up shot went wide of goal. The in the 52nd minute, as the fans shouted the Free DC chant, Rodman had a great shot but Dash goalkeeper Smith was able to parry it aside. Smith had another quick reaction save on a point blank shot from Sofia Cantore in the 63rd minute. Neither side had any dangerous attacks in the next 19 minutes.
Then the Spirit were able to tack on the 4th goal when the ball came from Croix Bethune to Narumi Miura in the box. Narumi sent the ball back toward Sofia Cantore, who was able to back heel the ball past Smith for the final goal of the game.
