Vincent Janssen scores hat trick in Portland Timbers victory

Vincent Janssen recorded a historic hat trick in his first start for the Portland Timbers, leading the team to a 5-4 victory over Minnesota United FC at Providence Park.

Janssen, a 32-year-old striker, became only the third player in MLS history to score a hat trick in his first start, joining Didier Drogba and Milan Iloski. He opened the scoring with an 11th-minute penalty and added goals in the 26th and 55th minutes.

The high-scoring match saw Portland take an early lead, which Minnesota United briefly challenged by leveling the score at 3-3 in the 50th minute before Janssen’s third goal restored the advantage. Kristoffer Velde later scored to extend the lead to 5-3, and although Minnesota added a late goal, Portland secured the win.

With this victory, Portland Timbers move to 31 points in the Western Conference, tying them with the Colorado Rapids for seventh place. Minnesota United remains at 29 points.