In a thrilling encounter at BMO Field, Josh Sargent showcased his scoring prowess by netting his first career hat trick for Toronto FC during a wild 4-4 draw against Chicago Fire FC on Saturday. The match was a testament to Sargent's growing influence in Major League Soccer (MLS) as he continues to make a name for himself with his new club.
Sargent, who joined Toronto FC in a high-profile transfer from Norwich City earlier this year, expressed his excitement after the match, saying, "It’s been a while, so happy to finally get my first professional hat trick. My kids have been waiting for this moment. They’ve been pestering me, saying, ‘You gonna score today? You gonna score today?’ So I’m very happy about it, of course.”
Since his arrival in Toronto, Sargent has been a key player for the Reds, contributing significantly to the team's recent form. With four goals and one assist in his last four matches, the 26-year-old forward has played a crucial role in helping Toronto go unbeaten in their last six games, which includes two victories and four draws. This impressive run has brought the team within striking distance of a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
Head coach Robin Fraser praised Sargent's performance, stating, "I’ve been saying all along, I think Josh is absolutely fantastic. I hear questions like, ‘What’s wrong with him? What does Josh need to do to get off the mark?’ I think he’s tremendous. I think he’s tremendous not only because of his goal-scoring ability, but his willingness to work for the team.” Fraser highlighted that Sargent's contributions extend beyond just his goals, emphasizing the forward's overall work rate and commitment to the team's success.
Sargent has shown a particular knack for finding the back of the net against Chicago Fire, having scored multiple times against them since joining the league. His latest performance, which included a stunning hat trick, further solidified his reputation as a formidable opponent for the Fire and a player to watch in the league. Notably, he outperformed renowned Polish striker Robert Lewandowski in this match, who managed to score once and provide an assist for Chicago.
As Toronto FC aims for a spot in the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs, having Sargent in top form is essential. The team is looking to build momentum as they approach the latter part of the season, and Sargent's recent performances could be pivotal in their playoff push. Reflecting on his success, Sargent remarked, "I’m naturally a very hard worker, and days like this, where I feel like all my hard work kind of pays off, it’s very gratifying. I have a process, and if I keep doing the same things, keep trying to put myself in the right spots, the goals will come. So that’s what happened today.”
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