LOS ANGELES — When forward Josh Sargent is at his best, he is in a ‘flow’ state.
That means not overthinking the match and focusing on finding positions to score.
That’s where the 25-year-old has recently been with EFL Championship club Norwich City, as he has scored 12 goals in 24 games this season, with two braces since the turn of the year.
“I've been taking those opportunities and been feeling really good,” Sargent said.
Joining the USMNT's March camp, Sargent wants to replicate such a mood with a prime opportunity to contribute. The O'Fallon, Missouri native could play a significant role Thursday in the team’s CONCACAF Nations League semi-final against Panama as forwards Ricardo Pepi and Folarin Balogun miss the contest with injuries.
The window offers Sargent a chance to return to the fold after not scoring for his national team since 2019 and playing limited minutes since the 2022 World Cup, partially due to ankle and groin injuries.
“I've been able to score at the club level, but I definitely want to produce the same stuff on that national team,” Sargent said. “This camp is another good opportunity for me.”
Sargent said he is pleased with his goal-scoring in England, but his lack of it with the USMNT is in the back of his head. He added that goals are the most significant part of his game, so he wants to link well with his teammates while facing Panama.
When Sargent last scored for the USMNT, it came as a brace against Cuba in a decisive 4-0 Nations League group-stage match. In the same tournament almost five and a half years later, he plans to work hard to get back on the scoresheet.
“I just want to bring that here — score goals, play well with the team and hopefully win some games,” Sargent said.
Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Oct 11, 2019; Washington, DC, USA; United States midfielder Weston Mckennie (8) celebrates with the United States forward Josh Sargent (19) after scoring a goal against Cuba in the first half during a CONCACAF Nations League soccer match at Audi Field.
The fixture might not be simple, though. The USMNT has only won two of its last five games against Panama, one of such defeats happening in penalties during the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup semi-finals.
Goalkeeper Matt Turner said Panama's work rate makes life difficult for their opponents.
“(Panama is) a team we've had our ups and downs within the past few seasons, but hopefully (we can) put some demons to rest,” Turner said.
The match, which will occur at SoFi Stadium, is also a trial for the 2026 World Cup, hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. A USMNT spokesperson said Thursday's contest will be played on the same type of surface and system that will be used during that tournament.
The USMNT still has its 2024 Copa América group stage exit in mind, an event where Sargent only appeared as a substitute.
“Our last trophy was just a year ago, but it feels like we've gone through a lot of change and ups and downs since that moment,” Turner said. “It's a good opportunity to get together again.”
Turner, who started all of the Copa América fixtures, is competing for his role, with coach Mauricio Pochettino saying competition is open, according to Pro Soccer Wire.
The 30-year-old said his club situation isn’t ideal, but he wants the responsibility of playing for the USMNT.
“My club situation right now isn't the best, so I maybe have to make some changes in that department if I want to play more consistently,” Turner said. “But if I continue to control the things that I can and play well when I have the chance with the U.S., I'll be happy with the hat I can put into the ring.”
The USMNT also returns midfielder Tyler Adams on the 23-player roster after not appearing since Copa América due to injury.
The winner of Thursday’s semi-final will face Canada or Mexico.