The 2026 MLS season keeps barreling on, with another weekend of games in the books. Here at Soccer America, we’re breaking down the standout players from Matchday 24 as teams head into a midweek Matchday 25.
• Vincent Janssen (Portland Timbers)
It took the Portland Timbers 522 matches to get a hat trick. It took Vincent Janssen only six.
In his first MLS start and sixth appearance in Timbers green, the former Tottenham Hotspur striker bagged a trio of goals in an unforgettable 5-4 win over Minnesota United. On the field for just 68 minutes, Janssen put on a clinic in the final third, constantly getting between the Loons’ center backs and finding open space in front of goal.
The Timbers made some major changes to their squad in the summer transfer window, including bringing in the 32-year-old Dutch striker. Up to eighth place in the Western Conference, the early returns are promising.
🗓️ Up next: Portland vs. St. Louis City SC (Wednesday, Sept. 9)
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