Toronto FC got to see what Josh Sargent can do with some more playing time as the team's big-time signing made his first start against the Columbus Crew on Saturday.
And the American was solid in 45 minutes before being subbed off at halftime, making multiple plays on and off the ball.
However, TFC trailed 1-0 at halftime, and head coach Robin Fraser replaced Sargent with fellow striker Djordje Mihailovic.
Sargent made his highly anticipated TFC debut coming off the bench in the 70th minute in a 1-1 draw against the New York Red Bulls last Saturday.
He nearly converted on a scoring opportunity when he connected on a served-in ball by midfielder Mihailovic, but it was blocked. Sargent finished the game with three shots on 11 touches.
“Even in the 20 minutes that he played, you see the bits of quality, his ability to hold the ball under pressure, timing of his runs, his ability to put himself in goal-scoring positions," head coach Robin Fraser told reporters. "We're excited. I just feel like he's only going to get better and sharper."
Toronto is playing its second match at BMO Field as it continues a nine-game MLS homestand before heading on the road during the 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer. TFC has a 1-1-2 record.
Columbus has not won a game this season after finishing seventh in the Eastern Conference in 2025.
