Josh Sargent, pictured playing for the USMNT, had a magical night for Norwich City. (Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports)
By Michael Lewis
FrontRowSoccer.com Editor
Josh Sargent could not have picked a better time to score his first two English Premier League goals on Friday.
The U.S. men’s national team forward bagged a second-half brace to power Norwich City to a 3-0 win at Watford on Friday.
The victory boosted Norwich City out of the relegation zone for the first time this season.
According to soccer statistician extraordinaire Paul Carr, Sargent was the third youngest USMNT to register an EPL goal. He is 21 years, 335 days old and trailed only Jozy Altidore (20) and Christian Pulisic (21 years, 38 days).
USA chants break out from the Norwich City supporters! #WATNOR pic.twitter.com/DlxgpkpZCP
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) January 21, 2022
Sargent, who earned man of the match honors, lifted the visitors into the lead in the 51st minute at Vicarage Road with a wonder score.
Teemu Pukki crossed the ball into the box from the edge of the end line on the right flank as Sargent produced a moment of brilliance, flicking the ball with the back of his right heel onto the underside of the crossbar and over the goal line.
“Not much went through my head,” he told the Norwich City website. “It was just instinct to do that!”
The goal was checked by the Video Assistant Referee.
“The worst feeling after you score is when you’re celebrating and they’re looking at the goal on VAR,” Sargent said.
What a finish!
Josh Sargent hits it off the crossbar and in! It's the USMNT forward's first Premier League goal!
📺: @USA_Network #WATNOR pic.twitter.com/JhFYekFxin
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) January 21, 2022
He scored at just about the same time the USMNT roster was revealed for the winter window of World Cup qualifying. Sargent did not make the 28-man roster.
The 21-year-old Sargent continued his assault on the Watford goal, heading in Milot Rashica’s left-wing cross from eight yards at the far post to double the lead in the 74th minute.
“I held my run very well and got a good jump on him, so it was a good finish,” he said.
After he scored, Sargent performed a rock-a-bye baby pantomime, in honor of his first child, a daughter, that was born last week.
“It’s been a crazy couple of weeks, but a good start to the year I’d say!” he said.
JOSH SARGENT HAS ANOTHER!
What a night for Josh Sargent as he has a brace in this pivotal match for Norwich City! #WATNOR pic.twitter.com/Gdods4LZRJ
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) January 21, 2022
Added manager Dean Smith: “I’m sure he’ll dedicate the goals to his family.”
Norwich City added an own goal by Juraj Kucka two minutes into stoppage time for the final score of the match.
“I was laughing with Adam [Idah] after,” Sargent said. “Two own goals in two games! I don’t know why our luck is so good right now but hopefully it stays that way!
Smith said he was “really pleased for him.”
“It endears him to the supporters,” he added. “They were singing his name.
“It’s been coming. He’s not playing in probably his favored position. But his work ethic is tremendous, and his physicality helps us.”
City (4-14-4, 16), which has won two consecutive matches, climbed into 17th place past Watford (4-14-2, 14) and out of danger for the time being. The Canaries defeated Everton on Jan. 15.
“It’s huge for us,” Sargent was quoted on the team website. “Getting two wins in a row is massive for the guys and the confidence. Hopefully we can take that into the next games.
“To get the first goal and put the game away with the second and third showed our character that we kept wanting to push on and I’m proud of the boys tonight.
“It’s about time for us to be clinical tonight! Hopefully we can continue that in the next games.”