Josh Sargent ready for more after first Toronto FC goal | OneFootball

By Ben Steiner

Josh Sargent is off the mark.

Settling into MLS following a reported $22 million transfer from Norwich City, the US men’s national team striker notched his first Toronto FC goal and assist 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 home a corner in the 85th minute to lead the Reds' rally in one of the 2026 season's wildest matches so far, which featured three red cards, seven yellows, and all five scored in the second half. 

"Josh is good at everything that you need a forward to be good at," head coach Robin Fraser said. "We see bits and pieces of it every time we've seen him play, and then we see more of it when we see more minutes.

"His holdup 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."

WATCH: Josh Sargent opens Toronto account with dramatic winner

Sargent’s form

After easing into minutes with Toronto, Sargent made his second start and nearly went the full 90, getting on the scoresheet in just his third appearance.

“Big relief. It's been a while since I've scored,” Sargent said 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 back from a 2-0 deficit and getting the decisive goal from Sargent showcased how dangerous the new-look TFC can 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 FC are stacking points to start the season. Saturday’s result is the third match in a nine-game home stand, as BMO Field prepares to host six games at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

Back-to-back home victories, including a 2–1 win over Columbus Crew before the international break, extended their unbeaten streak to four.

“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 said. “Everybody put their heads down.

"Everybody kept working hard, and we knew what we had to do, and we just refused to give up. So I think it's a massive identity you want your team to have to be that way.”

WATCH: Josh Sargent winner lifts Toronto over Colorado in shorthanded slugfest