Israeli Winger Liel Abada Scores Hat-Trick in Charlotte FC's Playoff Clincher

Israeli winger Liel Abada delivered a standout performance, scoring a hat-trick in just 16 minutes during Charlotte FC's decisive 4-0 victory over CF Montréal. This win secured Charlotte's spot in the MLS playoffs. Abada entered the match as a substitute in the 65th minute and quickly netted three goals, marking one of the most impressive games of his career.

His performance garnered significant attention in the United States. The official MLS account celebrated the feat, calling it "15 minutes of madness" for Abada, while the Associated Press highlighted his personal record of three goals in a single game. Fox Deportes also recognized the achievement as one of the week's notable performances, noting it as one of the fastest hat-tricks of the 2026 season.

"It's a very special feeling," Abada stated post-game. "I have to thank the team and the coaching staff for pushing me. I'm very happy, and now we need to be ready for the next game." Abada, who now has eight league goals this season, reflected on his earlier struggles, "At first, I wasn't playing well and it was difficult, but I stayed strong and kept working hard. Then I got opportunities, and my confidence returned. I want to help the team and prove myself on the field, for myself and for the fans."

Charlotte FC's website also lauded Abada's performance, noting he is only the third player in the club's history to score a hat-trick, following Daniel Rios and Idan Toklomati. All eight of Abada's goals this season have come since the All-Star break, and this was his second career hat-trick, the first since 2022 with Celtic. The AP emphasized his improved form since the mid-season break, establishing him as a key offensive player for Charlotte.

Forward Idan Toklomati also received praise for scoring the opening goal and assisting Abada's second. Toklomati reached 15 league goals this season, scoring in his fifth consecutive game and matching Karol Swiderski's club record for most goals across all competitions. Coach Dean Smith commended Abada, stating, "I thought his overall game tonight was very good, probably the best I've seen from him. He's on a scoring streak and playing with a lot of confidence right now. When he plays like this, he shows us and himself what level he is capable of reaching. Now his job is to maintain that level and keep progressing."

Additionally, Pep Biel contributed three assists, bringing his season total to 16, with 29 goal involvements. The team, ending a three-game winless streak, has secured a playoff berth and aims to improve its standing in the final two regular-season games against Orlando and Inter Miami.