Sargent's Career Hat Trick Not Enough to Secure Win Against Chicago
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Josh Sargent reached a personal milestone, but defensive lapses forced Toronto FC to settle for a 4-4 draw.
As Sportsnet first reported, Toronto FC battled to a 4-4 draw against Chicago Fire FC at BMO Field on Saturday, highlighted by Josh Sargent recording the first hat trick of his professional career. In his first season with Toronto FC, Sargent scored in the 27th minute, the 36th minute, and the 54th minute, marking the first hat trick for the club since Federico Bernardeschi achieved the feat on May 18, 2024.
Despite the offensive surge, Toronto FC struggled defensively. Chicago opened the scoring in the 14th minute via Maren Haile-Selassie, who scored through a group of defenders to beat goalkeeper Luka Gavran. In the 49th minute, Toronto centreback Wayne Zimmerman scored an own goal while attempting to defend a pass intended for Robert Lewandowski, tying the match at 2-2.
Chicago reclaimed the lead through two more defensive lapses. Haile-Selassie scored his second goal after Gavran was caught out of position following an initial save. Lewandowski, who joined Chicago Fire on June 29, then scored in the 63rd minute off a pass from Philip Zinckernagel to make it 4-3. Derrick Etienne Jr. eventually scored the equalizer during second-half injury time to secure a point for Toronto FC.
Sportsnet reports that this is the eighth time this season Toronto FC has conceded the first goal of a match and rallied for at least a draw. Other notable debuts included Lewis Morgan, who joined Toronto FC via a trade with San Diego FC for a 2026 International roster slot.