Key Points
- Historic Achievement: Former Tottenham Hotspur striker Vincent Janssen scored his first regular-season hat-trick in MLS, becoming the first player from Portland Timbers to do so since their entrance into Major League Soccer.
- Uncommon Stat: Janssen is only the third player in the history of MLS who has managed to register a hat-trick on his first-ever MLS start alongside football legend Didier Drogba and Milan Iloski.
- Drought Over: Janssen brought an end to the 558-game hat-trick drought for Portland Timbers and made them the last surviving original team in MLS that had done so.
- Summer Arrival: Janssen signed for Portland Timbers in July 2026 on a free transfer from Belgium’s Royal Antwerp, committing to two years of contract until the 2027–28 season.
- Background: Prior to joining Portland Timbers, the Dutch forward failed to get regular game time at Tottenham Hotspur owing to good goal-scoring form of Harry Kane from 2016 to 2019.
Tottenham Hotspur (North London News) September 7, 2026 – Former Tottenham Hotspur attacker Vincent Janssen has written his name into North American footballing folklore after etching his name into the record books during his full Major League Soccer debut for Portland Timbers.
As reported by Dylan Butler of MLSSoccer.com, the 32-year-old Dutch international scored a historic hat-trick in a chaotic 5-4 victory over Minnesota United FC at Providence Park, becoming the first player in the club’s 16-season MLS era to net three goals in a single regular-season match. Janssen’s clinical display snapped a 558-game streak for the Oregon-based franchise without a hat-trick. Furthermore, as detailed by official Portland Timbers club reports, Janssen became just the third player in MLS history to score three goals on his full league start, following in the footsteps of former Chelsea star Didier Drogba and San Diego FC forward Milan Iloski.
How Did Vincent Janssen Make MLS History During His Full Debut?
As reported by sports journalist Dylan Butler of MLSSoccer.com, Janssen opened his account from the penalty spot in the 11th minute before completing a first-half brace in the 26th minute to give Portland an early 3-0 lead. After Minnesota United FC staged a remarkable comeback to draw level, Janssen secured his historic third goal in the 55th minute. Collecting a precise pass from team-mate Ariel Lassiter, the Dutch striker turned inside the penalty area and dispatched a low first-time strike inside the post for the match-winning goal.
In post-match comments broadcast on Apple TV’s MLS Wrap-Up, Janssen expressed his delight regarding the achievement:
“Obviously it’s very special to score a hat-trick, it’s always a special moment in your career. You don’t have a lot of them. It’s a pleasure. I was able to sign here a month ago… To be able to be part of this club, I’m very proud and happy of that, and today this is a way of showing the appreciation back to the team and to the fans”.
Janssen substituted off in the 68th minute to a standing ovation from the home crowd. As documented in official match records from Google Sports Data, Janssen produced three goals from three shots on target and completed 24 accurate passes during his 68 minutes on the pitch.
What Is the Background to Vincent Janssen’s Career and Recent Transfer?
As reported by Goal.com, Vincent Janssen signed for Portland Timbers on July 29, 2026, as a free agent following the expiration of his contract with Belgian Pro League club Royal Antwerp. During his four-season spell with Antwerp, the Netherlands international scored 64 goals and provided 27 assists in 173 appearances across all competitions, helping the side win the Belgian Pro League title and the Belgian Cup during the 2022–23 campaign.
Janssen previously made a high-profile £17 million ($25 million) move to Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur from Dutch side AZ Alkmaar in the summer of 2016 after finishing as the top goalscorer in the Eredivisie with 27 goals. However, as reported by Goal.com and European football media, the striker struggled for opportunities in North London due to the presence of England captain Harry Kane. Janssen registered six goals and four assists in 42 appearances for Spurs across a three-year stint under manager Mauricio Pochettino, which included a loan spell at Turkish side Fenerbahçe.
Following his departure from England, Janssen experienced success in Mexico with CF Monterrey between 2019 and 2022, scoring 24 goals, winning the Liga MX title, and lifting the 2021 CONCACAF Champions League prior to his return to Europe with Antwerp. Internationally, Janssen has earned 22 caps for the Netherlands national team, scoring seven goals and featuring in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
What Are the Future Predictions for Vincent Janssen and Portland Timbers?
As reported by MLSSoccer.com, Janssen’s three-goal performance secured three critical points for Portland Timbers, lifting them to 31 points and level with seventh-place Colorado Rapids in the Western Conference standings with 11 regular-season matches remaining.
For the Portland Timbers fanbase and management, Janssen’s immediate impact addresses a crucial attacking requirement following the summer departure of forward Felipe Mora to Mexican side Atlético San Luis. Playing under head coach Martí Cifuentes, Janssen’s presence provides valuable veteran leadership and high-level finishing alongside 21-year-old Venezuelan international Kevin Kelsy. If Janssen maintains this goalscoring momentum, Portland Timbers appear strongly positioned to secure a playoff spot in the Western Conference and mount a serious postseason campaign.
