Seike: My wonder goal surprised even me!

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Kiko Seike made history with hat-trick in the 4-0 win over Everton on Saturday.

Charlie Hanson

2024-09-23T22:30+01:00

An incredible start for our Japanese forward. 📷 by Kyle Hemsley.

Nobody was more surprised by Kiko Seike’s wonderful third goal against Everton on Saturday than the goalscorer herself.

The Japan international made WSL history as she became the first player to score a hat-trick on her debut in the competition, completing her treble with a thunderous effort into the top right corner from outside the box.

“It’s hard to pick just one!” the 28-year-old replied when asked which of her three goals was her favourite. “But the second goal was the one I had planned for.

Kiko Seike lets fly for her hat-trick goal, a strike so good even she was surprised. 📷 by Kyle Hemsley.

“I often play out wide, just like last season, but now I'm positioned even further out so I frequently cross the ball or pass it to Fran Kirby which is something we worked on a lot in pre-season. I don't dribble towards goal as much as I used to, so I expected to score from a cross, and the second goal played out exactly that way.

“The first goal came from a defensive move, which is something I’m good at, so I also anticipated that.

“As for the third goal, I just hit it really hard, and it went in perfectly! People have been praising that one a lot, but I’m also surprised by how it turned out.”

Jorelyn Carabali lifts up her teammate after her terrific hat-trick goal. 📷 by Kyle Hemsley.

The on-field celebrations were matched by the rapturous welcome back into the dressing room after the game.

“My teammates said things like, 'You're a hero!' and even sang my chant in the changing room. They really celebrated with me, and it made me feel like I had truly stepped out of my time in Japan.”

Kiko Seike has settled in well with Albion, having joined us in the summer. 📷 by Kyle Hemsley.

While delighted with her debut, Kiko only has her sights set on building on her start.

“I’ve thrown myself into a completely new environment to push myself to the next level as a footballer. It's only been one game, but I’ve had a great start.

"My goal now is to keep performing at this level, which is the hardest thing to do. I want to score consistently and keep improving.”