Liel Abada helped Charlotte FC clinch an Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs berth in style with a standout performance worthy of MLS Player of the Matchday presented by Michelob ULTRA honors for Matchday 33.
Abada came off the bench to score a 16-minute hat trick as the Crown cruised to a 4-0 home win over CF Montréal on Wednesday night.Â
The Israeli international became the third Charlotte player to net a regular-season hat trick, joining Daniel RÃos and compatriot Idan Toklomati, who opened the scoring vs. Montréal at Bank of America Stadium.Â
In his third MLS season, Abada has set single-season career highs in goals (eight), assists (five), and goal contributions (13). With the victory, Charlotte joined Inter Miami CF as the only clubs to earn at least 50 points in each of the last three regular seasons (2024-26).
Abada becomes the seventh different player in Charlotte history to be named MLS Player of the Matchday, and the first since Patrick Agyemang in 2025 (Matchday 15).
He is also the second Israeli to earn the honor in 2026, joining D.C. United striker Tai Baribo.
Abada and Charlotte are back in action on Saturday, hosting Eastern Conference foe Orlando City in their regular-season home finale (1 pm ET | Apple TV).Â
The MLS Player of the Matchday is selected each matchday of the regular season through both media and fan voting in a process conducted by MLS Communications. A panel of journalists from the North American Soccer Reporters (NASR) comprises 75 percent of the vote, while an Instagram fan vote represents the remaining 25 percent of voting. NASR consists of members of print, television, radio and online media.
