Former Celtic winger Liel Abada enjoyed a remarkable night in Major League Soccer on Wednesday, scoring his first career hat-trick to help Charlotte FC secure their place in the MLS Cup play-offs.

The Israeli international came off the bench in the 65th minute against CF Montréal on Wednesday evening and scored three times as Charlotte recorded a convincing 4-0 victory.

Abada found the net in the 67th, 79th and 83rd minutes, completing his hat-trick just 18 minutes after entering the pitch.

It was only the third hat-trick in Charlotte’s history and a significant personal achievement for the former Hoops winger, who has experienced an up-and-down spell since leaving Glasgow in 2024.

The performance has taken Abada’s MLS tally to eight goals and five assists in 25 appearances this season.

In 2024, Abada scored seven league goals and registered one assist across 24 appearances.

Last season, he managed five goals and one assist in 32 matches.

What makes his latest return particularly impressive is that he has achieved it with considerably fewer minutes on the pitch.

Abada has played 1,286 minutes in MLS this season, compared with 1,490 in 2025 and 1,649 during his debut campaign.

That works out at a goal every 161 minutes and a direct goal contribution approximately every 99 minutes.

 

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Across all competitions in 2026, the winger has now recorded nine goals and seven assists in 29 appearances.

Abada remains a familiar name to Celtic supporters following his successful spell under Ange Postecoglou.

The winger joined from Maccabi Petah Tikva in 2021 and contributed 29 goals and 22 assists in 112 appearances across three seasons.

His direct running, movement into the penalty area and ability to arrive at the back post made him an important attacking option during Celtic’s domestic success.

Despite his departure in March 2024, Abada has continued to attract attention from clubs in Britain.

Neither club completed a deal during the summer, and Abada remained with Charlotte.

His improved form this season could attract further attention, although there is currently no confirmed indication that either Championship club intends to renew its interest.

Abada’s hat-trick arrived at an important moment for Charlotte, who needed a victory to secure their place in the MLS Cup play-offs.

Idan Toklomati had opened the scoring in the seventh minute before Abada took control following his introduction.

The winger scored his first within two minutes of coming on, added another after combining with Toklomati and completed his hat-trick following an exchange with Pep Biel.

Charlotte’s victory secured their fourth consecutive play-off appearance under Dean Smith.

The former Celtic winger will now be hoping to build on his latest performance when Charlotte face Orlando City on Saturday, with the MLS Cup play-offs approaching.

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