Portland put on a remarkable attacking display on Saturday night, outlasting Minnesota United 5-4 in a match that will be remembered for some time.
Vincent Janssen was the undisputed star of the evening, scoring his first three MLS goals to complete a hat trick in just his fourth appearance in the league.
The 32-year-old striker made his first MLS start and wasted no time making an impression, opening the scoring from the penalty spot in the 11th minute.
The penalty was awarded after Cole Bassett was fouled by Minnesota United’s Morris Duggan, and Janssen stepped up confidently to convert the spot kick.
Portland continued to dominate in the opening stages, with an own goal from Minnesota United goalkeeper Drake Callender extending the Timbers’ advantage midway through the first half.
Janssen then struck again in the 26th minute to give Portland a commanding 3-0 lead before the match had even reached the half-hour mark.
Minnesota United refused to fold, however, with Marcus Caldeira pulling one back in the 32nd minute before defender Anthony Markanich added another in the 38th to make it 3-2 at halftime.
The second half began with more drama, as Caldeira levelled at 3-3 in the 50th minute before Janssen restored Portland’s lead just five minutes later to complete his memorable hat trick.
Kristoffer Velde then put the result beyond doubt in the 71st minute, with David Pereira Da Costa and Antony Alves Santos both contributing assists during the contest to make it 5-3.
Minnesota United did manage a late consolation to bring the score to 5-4, but Portland held firm to claim all three points in a breathless encounter at home.
The victory proved significant in the Western Conference standings, lifting Portland to 31 points from their record of 9-10-4, while Minnesota United dropped to 29 points following their 7-8-8 campaign so far.
It was an extraordinary individual performance from Janssen, whose hat trick on his first start signals a potentially important addition to the Portland Timbers attack for the remainder of the season.
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