Nigeria international Alhassan Yusuf delivered a standout performance on Thursday night, scoring his first career hat-trick to fire New England Revolution to a convincing 3-0 victory over D.C. United at Audi Field, Trybal New reports.
The midfielder was at the heart of the Revolution’s response after back-to-back defeats, scoring twice before half-time and completing his treble early in the second half to end New England’s three-game winless run.
Yusuf broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute when Peyton Miller headed Jack Harrison’s cross back into a dangerous area. The unmarked Nigerian reacted quickest, rising above the defence to head home.
The 26-year-old struck again just before the interval, meeting another Harrison delivery at the back post and producing a composed one-touch finish to give the visitors a commanding two-goal advantage.
Harrison completed his involvement in all three goals when his cross found Yusuf again in the 66th minute. The Nigerian created space with intelligent movement before powering another header into the net to complete his first professional hat-trick.
The performance takes Yusuf to five goals and two assists in 20 MLS appearances this season, already making it his most productive campaign in terms of goals.
He also entered New England Revolution history as only the eighth player to score a regular-season hat-trick for the club and the first since Kei Kamara achieved the feat nine years ago.
Yusuf was subsequently named Man of the Match as the Revolution kept D.C. United at bay to secure a valuable clean sheet and three points.
New England head coach Marko Mitrović singled out Yusuf and Harrison for their decisive execution in the final third.
Both Yusuf and Harrison did their jobs. But sometimes it’s not just about doing your job. You have to do that job at a high level, with high quality,” Mitrović said.
The result moves New England to fourth in the Eastern Conference with 33 points, while D.C. United remain ninth on 24 points.
For Yusuf, however, the night belonged to a landmark achievement, his first-ever hat-trick and a timely reminder of the impact he can make in the Revolution midfield.
