Janssen says his hat‑trick is past as America dream fuels Timbers push
Vincent Janssen, the 32‑year‑old striker from Heesch, is nine games into his two‑year spell with the Portland Timbers and has already made an impact in America (Amerika) with a hat‑trick against Minnesota United, though he has not found the net since.
Contract and career background
He signed a two‑year contract at the end of July, fulfilling a long‑held dream of living in the United States. The former forward of Almere City, AZ, Tottenham Hotspur and Antwerp FC also has a Mexican‑American wife, a fact that reinforced his desire to settle in America.
Janssen debuted with ten minutes against Club América, gradually building his match rhythm. He later reflected, “I don’t want to talk about my hat‑trick, because that was in the past,” when asked about his early impact.
Recent form and playoff ambitions
On 6 September, he impressed with a hat‑trick in the MLS clash with Minnesota United, becoming the first Portland Timbers player ever to record a hat‑trick in the league.
Ahead of the upcoming Sporting Kansas City fixture, he stressed the team’s goal: “The group has a clear task and that is to reach the playoffs. We want to win that and that is the main task. If we get there, everything is possible.” He added, “I am happy that I have played regularly and that I got eighty minutes against San Jose Earthquakes on 27 September. I feel that I am getting fitter.”
Portland sit tenth after 27 matches, four points behind ninth‑placed LA Galaxy, with the top nine positions securing playoff qualification.