Toronto FC's Sargent looking for first goal as team welcomes Rapids to BMO Field

Toronto FC forward Josh Sargent, top left, and teammate forward Deandre Kerr, top right, head the ball on a corner kick against the Columbus Crew during first half MLS action in Toronto on March 21, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jon Blacker

TORONTO — Toronto FC head coach Robin Fraser was a skilful defender during his playing days and he’s proving to be a skilful defender as a manager, at least in terms of defending his players.

That was apparent on Friday when Fraser was asked about the club’s first-year forward Josh Sargent, who arrived in Toronto from Norwich City in February.

The 26-year-old American scored an impressive 56 goals in 157 appearances for The Canaries over five seasons but has yet to find the back of the goal this season for Toronto.

Sargent has made one start over two appearances for a TFC side that has managed only six regular-season goals in five games.

“In my mind he’s playing extremely well and for us it’s been about trying to get him physically in a position where he can do that for all season,” said Fraser. “That’s the reason for not throwing him (in games) from the beginning.

“It’s building his strength, his agility, all the things he needs to remain healthy throughout the year.”

Toronto fans would love to see Sargent break out on Saturday against the Colorado Rapids at BMO Field.

“In terms of what he brings us, you can already see his intelligence in his defending, his technical ability in attack, composure, experience … we see all those things every day,” Fraser said. “If your question is, ‘When’s he going to score?,’ I have very little doubt that he is going to score soon and certainly the hope is once he starts, he doesn’t stop.”

After starting the MLS campaign with two losses, the Reds have recorded points in their last three matches, including a 2-1 victory over the Columbus Crew on March 21.

With seven straight regular-season games scheduled for BMO Field, Fraser said it’s crucial for his club to go on a roll.

“I choose to see it as an opportunity to get ahead,” he said. ”You take care of your home games and by the time this homestand is over we should be in a pretty good position.”

Toronto will have its hands full with the resurgent Rapids, a club with three wins and two defeats in five games. Under new head coach Matt Wells, Colorado has scored 11 goals - the second-highest goal tally in the MLS.

“They’re good, they’re young, they’re energetic (and) they occupy some interesting positions in their buildup,” said Fraser, who was the head man in Colorado from 2019 to 2023. “They play with a ton of energy, they get a lot of pressure. They’re a good group.”

Forward Rafael Navarro leads the way for the Rapids with three goals. Colorado is coming off a 4-1 victory over Kansas City on March 21.

TFC has failed to make the MLS playoffs since 2020 but appear to be heading in a positive direction this year.

“I think we’re just scratching the surface (in terms) of the potential this team has,” said goalkeeper Luka Gavran, a native of Hamilton, Ont. “I was disappointed in how we played in the first two games because it didn’t really show how we did in the pre-season. So, for us to bounce back with two wins and a tie ... this team has so much more.”

Saturday’s match will mark the return of defender Kosi Thompson, who was acquired by the Rapids from TFC last week for up to $400,000 in general allocation money.

First-year left back Matheus Pereira (groin) has yet to play a game for Toronto FC this season but Fraser said he is available.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 3, 2026.

Steve Buffery, The Canadian Press