Liel Abada Scores Hat Trick in 16 Minutes, Igniting US Soccer World
Translated & summarized from Walla by baba
Israeli winger Liel Abada scored a hat trick in 16 minutes for Charlotte FC in their 4-0 MLS victory over CF Montreal, securing a playoff spot. His performance drew significant praise from US media and the league itself. Abada expressed his happiness and determination to help the team, also reflecting on overcoming early season difficulties.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Liel Abada scored a hat trick in 16 minutes for Charlotte FC against CF Montreal.
- Abada's performance secured Charlotte FC's playoff spot in Major League Soccer.
- The hat trick was Abada's first in MLS and second of his career.
- Abada's goals brought his season total to 8 league goals.
- Idan Toklomati assisted Abada's second goal and scored his 15th of the season.
Israeli winger Liel Abada delivered a career-defining performance on Wednesday night, scoring a rapid-fire hat trick that has captivated attention in the United States. Coming on as a substitute in the 65th minute for Charlotte FC, Abada netted three goals in just 16 minutes, propelling his team to a decisive 4-0 victory over CF Montreal. This win secured Charlotte's playoff spot in Major League Soccer (MLS).
The official MLS league account celebrated Abada's feat, tweeting "A hat trick in 15 minutes of madness for Liel Abada!" American media outlets highlighted his immediate impact, with FOX headlining the event "Hat trick in 16 minutes: MLS continues to surprise." Abada's goals came in the 67th, 79th, and 83rd minutes, bringing his season total to 8 league goals, all scored since the All-Star break. This marks his first MLS hat trick and second of his career, following one with Celtic in 2022.
Abada became the third player in Charlotte FC history to score a hat trick, joining Daniel Rios and Idan Toklomati. Toklomati, who opened the scoring for Charlotte in the 7th minute, also assisted Abada's second goal. Abada completed his hat trick after a passing exchange with Pape Ba. Toklomati also continued his strong form, reaching 15 league goals for the season and scoring in his fifth consecutive game, equaling Karol Swiderski's club record for most goals across all competitions.
The victory ended Charlotte's three-game winless streak and confirmed their playoff berth. The team is set to play their final regular-season home game on Saturday against Orlando. Abada expressed his feelings, stating, "It's a pretty special feeling. To be honest, it's special. I have to thank the team and the staff for pushing me, and I'm very happy, and now we have to be ready for the next game."
Addressing recent reports of potential European interest, Abada reflected on his journey, "At first I didn't play well and the situation was difficult, but I stayed strong and kept working hard, and after that I got opportunities, the confidence returned, and I want to help the team and show myself on the field - for me, for the fans - and I'm happy for this win."
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