USMNT Striker Josh Sargent Scores for Third Straight Game as Norwich Defeat Portsmouth

American Forward’s Hot Start to the Season Continues with First Headed Goal of the Campaign

Some players ease their way into a new season, using August and early September to find their rhythm. Josh Sargent, though, seems to have skipped that memo entirely. Three games into the 2025–26 campaign, the U.S. Men’s National Team striker is already on a tear, finding the net in each outing and showing the sort of ruthless edge Norwich City will be banking on as they chase promotion.

On Saturday, in front of a lively home crowd, Sargent delivered again — this time with his first headed goal of the campaign — to secure a 2-1 victory over Portsmouth in the Championship. It wasn’t just another goal; it was the match-winner, the difference between one point and three, and another statement from a player who looks determined to make this his season.

A Perfectly Timed Header

The goal itself was classic striker’s play. Norwich had been probing down the right, earning a long throw-in deep in Pompey territory. As the ball was hurled toward the box, Sargent read the flight early, peeling away toward the far post. His movement was subtle but devastating, shaking off his marker just in time to meet the flick-on.

From there, it was all about execution. Rising above his defender, Sargent powered a close-range header into the roof of the net, leaving the Portsmouth keeper rooted. It was the kind of goal that doesn’t make the highlight reels for its artistry, but for pure centre-forward instincts, it was textbook.

A Season That’s Already Gathering Pace

Sargent’s strike against Portsmouth marked his third in as many games — two in the Championship and one in the Carabao Cup — and continued a blistering start for the Canaries. His form has been all the more impressive given the off-field noise that has surrounded him throughout the summer.

The American has been the subject of repeated transfer speculation, with clubs in both England and Germany reportedly circling. But so far, nothing has come of it, and Norwich fans will be quietly delighted that their number nine is still leading the line.

Transfer Talk That Just Won’t Go Away

Portsmouth v Norwich City – Championship

This summer, the strongest whispers came from Germany, where Wolfsburg were said to have reached an agreement with Norwich in July. Yet Sargent, who spent three seasons in the Bundesliga with Werder Bremen before moving to England, opted to stay put, rejecting a return to German football.

More recently, Premier League new boys Leeds United and Burnley have been linked, each seeing him as a potential addition to bolster their attacking depth. But with the transfer window clock ticking down and Sargent in this kind of form, any move now seems increasingly unlikely — unless an irresistible offer lands on Norwich’s desk.

Eyes on the Bigger Prize

For Sargent, the stakes this season go beyond club football. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup just a year away, the forward is desperate to play his way into Mauricio Pochettino’s USMNT squad. He was a surprise omission from this summer’s Gold Cup, with Pochettino citing “football reasons” — widely interpreted as a combination of form, fitness, and tactical fit at the time.

If Sargent keeps scoring like this, though, it will be hard for the national team boss to overlook him. The USMNT have a wealth of young attacking talent, but there’s still a question mark over who will lead the line in 2026. Sargent, at 25, is entering what should be his prime years.

Club Form vs. Country Struggles

One criticism that has followed Sargent throughout his career is that his strong club scoring record hasn’t always translated to the international stage. In fact, he hasn’t scored for the USMNT since 2019, a statistic that has been used by some to question his role in the squad.

At Norwich, however, he’s been a consistent threat. Since joining from Werder Bremen in 2021, he’s developed into a reliable Championship goalscorer, capable of playing through the middle or drifting wide to link play. His versatility is valued by managers, but his current run of form suggests that his best work comes when he’s given the responsibility of being the focal point in attack.

Portsmouth Push Norwich to the Limit

Saturday’s match wasn’t all smooth sailing for the Canaries. Portsmouth, freshly promoted and eager to make a statement, made life difficult from the start. They pressed aggressively, denied Norwich time on the ball, and even found the equaliser after Sargent’s opener.

But the hosts dug deep. With the score locked at 1-1 heading into the final 15 minutes, Norwich turned up the pressure, forcing Portsmouth back. The breakthrough came late, and it was Sargent again who played a key role — his movement in the box creating space that eventually led to the winner.

A Test of Character

Matches like this are often as much about mentality as they are about technical quality. For Norwich, the ability to grind out a result when not at their free-flowing best will be vital over a 46-game Championship campaign. And for Sargent, these are the kinds of games that build reputation: the tight contests where one decisive moment from your striker makes all the difference.

Looking Ahead

Next weekend, Norwich face Middlesbrough in what promises to be an intriguing matchup for American fans. Sargent will be up against fellow U.S. international Aidan Morris, adding a transatlantic subplot to the Championship fixture.

For Sargent, it’s another chance to extend his scoring streak and strengthen his case for both club and country. And with the transfer window still open, it could also be another opportunity for scouts to take note.

Final Thoughts

Right now, Josh Sargent looks like a man playing with both confidence and purpose. The noise around potential transfers hasn’t distracted him; if anything, it seems to have sharpened his focus.

If Norwich are to make a serious promotion push, they’ll need Sargent at this level all season long. And if the USMNT are to find a reliable goalscorer ahead of the World Cup, they’ll be hoping this version of Josh Sargent — the one who times his runs perfectly, buries headers with conviction, and thrives in high-pressure moments — sticks around for the long haul.

For now, three games, three goals, and a perfect start tell their own story. And for a striker chasing both personal redemption and collective glory, that’s exactly where you want to be.