Settling into MLS following a reported $22 million switch from Norwich City, the US men’s national team striker notched his first Toronto FC goal and help on Saturday in a 3-2 comeback win over the Colorado Rapids.
The 26-year-old assisted Richie Laryea to kickstart the comeback and nodded house a nook within the eighty fifth minute to guide the Reds’ rally in one of many 2026 season’s wildest matches thus far, which featured three crimson playing cards, seven yellows, and all 5 targets scored within the second half.
“Josh is good at everything that you need a forward to be good at,” head coach Robin Fraser stated afterward at BMO Field. “We see bits and items of it each time we have seen him play, after which we see more of it once we see more minutes.
“His hold-up play is excellent, he’s very tidy in tight spaces, but he also has really good timing as to when to get forward and decisions about how he can get himself in front of the goal.”
Sargent’s type
After easing into minutes with Toronto, Sargent made his second begin and practically went the complete 90, getting on the scoresheet in simply his third look.
“Big relief. It’s been a while since I’ve scored,” Sargent stated post-match.
“After I missed that first one in the first half, I was pretty frustrated. I would’ve been upset if I didn’t get a goal by the end of the game. The fans have been so good and supportive since I’ve gotten here, and it’s great to get a goal and hopefully more to come.”
Rallying from a 2-0 deficit and getting the decisive goal from Sargent showcased how harmful the new-look TFC may be.
“One of the reasons why we were able to deal with all these swings is because of the maturity of the group, because I can’t prescribe everything, and I certainly can’t talk to everyone as the situations change,” Fraser added. “It takes an experienced group of guys to be able to look, assess, see where we are, and see what we need to do.”
Finding momentum
Highlighted by Sargent’s breakout, Toronto are stacking factors to begin the season. Saturday’s result’s the third match in a nine-game homestand, as BMO Field prepares to host six video games on the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Back-to-back house victories, together with a 2-1 win over Columbus Crew earlier than the worldwide break, prolonged their unbeaten streak to 4.
“We’re a team that refuses to give up. I think that was very evident today, even in a very strange game and weird circumstances,” Sargent stated. “Everybody put their heads down.
“Everybody saved working exhausting, and we knew what we needed to do, and we simply refused to surrender. So I feel it is a huge identification you need your staff to should be that manner.”
