Josh Sargent Eyes Redemption in Nations League After Injury Struggles

LOS ANGELES – Josh Sargent is prepared to prove himself once again as the U.S. men’s national team faces Panama in the Concacaf Nations League semifinals on Thursday. After overcoming injuries that hampered his career, Sargent enters the match as a likely starter and in excellent form, following an impressive run of eight goals in his last ten matches with Norwich City.

Sargent, a 25-year-old striker from St. Louis, had a meteoric rise in youth soccer, becoming the first player to receive calls to the Under-17, U-20, and senior national teams in the same year in 2017. After becoming the second-youngest goal scorer in USMNT history during his debut in 2018, Sargent seemed destined for a successful international career. However, injuries have disrupted his progress, stalling his appearances since starting at the World Cup in Qatar in 2022.

“It’s just kind of how you bounce back from those setbacks,” Sargent said. “They are moments that have pushed me to get better and find ways to be productive.”

With injuries sidelining fellow strikers Folarin Balogun and Ricardo Pepi, Sargent finds himself in a prime position. His current form has elevated hopes that he can deliver for the national team, which has taken a step forward under head coach Mauricio Pochettino.

Tim Ream, a veteran defender and Sargent’s former high school classmate, has noted the importance of adversity in Sargent’s growth as a player. “Everybody expects players to continue on this amazing trajectory, but life and sport isn’t like that,” Ream remarked. “I think he’s found a better perspective on what he has through the challenges he’s faced.”

While Sargent posits that he is making strides in his game, he acknowledged an unusual statistic: he hasn’t scored for the national team since 2019. The weight of that expectation lingers, but Sargent maintains focus on his current duties with Norwich City and avoids dwelling on transfer speculation.

“If I do my job at Norwich, then those things will still be there in the summer,” he said. “I believe whatever happens is meant to be. I can’t be selfish; it’s for our family.”

His teammates hold faith in his abilities; midfielder Yunus Musah noted, “Josh is a top, top striker… A lot of people are sleeping on him. He’s doing a lot of stuff week-in and week-out.”

As he navigates this critical juncture, Sargent finds joy in fatherhood, with his daughters transforming his perspective on the game and life.

“It changes everything… You have people that you know you’re looking after and playing for,” Sargent shared. “When there’s a bad game, my kids and my wife are at home waiting, and they put a smile on your face.”

This season, Sargent’s successes at the club level have ignited interest from both domestic and international teams, with discussions hinting at potential moves. FC Cincinnati reportedly expressed interest with a $25 million offer last winter, though Sargent remains focused on the current task at hand: defeating Panama.

“I know it’s a big opportunity,” said Sargent. “I don’t want to put more pressure on myself but I want to do the same at the national team level… and hopefully put myself in a good position for the World Cup.”