Vincent Janssen puts historic Portland hat-trick behind him in play-off push

Vincent Janssen is refusing to dwell on his landmark hat-trick for the Portland Timbers, insisting that qualification for the MLS play-offs is now his priority. The Dutch forward scored three times against Minnesota United on 6 September, becoming the first Portland player to register an MLS hat-trick.

Asked whether supporters could expect more, Janssen told a media event that the achievement belonged to the past. “I don't want to talk about my hat-trick,” he said, as quoted by VI. Janssen added that the squad have a clear task: reaching the play-offs and then trying to win once they get there.

The former Almere City and AZ striker signed a two-year Portland contract at the end of July. He made his debut with a ten-minute appearance against Club América and has since gradually increased his playing time. Janssen said he was pleased to have played regularly and to receive 80 minutes against the San Jose Earthquakes on 27 September, adding that he feels increasingly fit and is ready whenever selected.

Portland sit tenth after 27 matches, four points behind ninth-placed LA Galaxy. With the top nine teams qualifying for the play-offs, Janssen and his team-mates remain within reach of the post-season as they prepare to face Sporting Kansas City.