26 March 2023 , 12:28
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Seattle Sounders forward Jordan Morris reminded the USMNT what they're missing out on with a franchise-record four goals against Sporting Kansas City in MLS on Saturday night.
Morris scored all four goals for the Sounders in their 4-1 win over Kansas City, adding to the three goals he's already scored this campaign. The 28-year-old has already matched his tally (7) from last season, despite only being five games into the new campaign.
There has been a lot of speculation within the USMNT about the prospect of bringing on-loan Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun into the camp, and the 21-year-old has been in America after withdrawing from the England U21 side. But Morris reminded them of what he can do, as the national team look to strengthen the striker position.
The USMNT has come on leaps and bounds in recent years, and they'll want to make a statement at the 2026 World Cup - one they're hosting alongside Canada and Mexico. Scoring hasn't been a problem for the USMNT during the international break so far though, as they put seven past Grenada in a 7-1 win on Saturday.
After being a shock omission from the World Cup squad that went to Qatar in 2022, Ricardo Pepi netted a brace on his return to the national side. The USMNT are still yet to place their trust in one main striker, but many options are presenting themselves this year.
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In Qatar, Norwich City's Josh Sargent and Lille's Timothy Weah were the main striking options as the USMNT made the last-16 of the competition. Sounders duo Morris and Cristian Roldan were also there, but were used sparingly by former head coach Gregg Berhalter.
Josh Sargent in action for USA in QatarPepi has worked his way back into the mix since, and Balogun could switch allegiances for the future after pulling out of the England U21's. But Morris made 11 appearances for the USMNT in 2022, and sent a timely reminder to US Soccer with his dominant performance on Saturday.
It was only the second hat-trick of Morris' MLS career, with his first treble coming against FC Dallas during the playoffs back in 2019. Morris also became the first Sounders player in history to score four goals in an MLS game.
The Sounders sit second in the Western Conference of MLS with 10 points from their opening five matches. They trail the newest MLS franchise St Louis City SC, who have a 100 percent record this season.