Toronto's Hat-Trick Hero Akinola Sets Record Against Thierry Henry's Montreal Impact

Published: July 17, 2020

Nigeria Football Federation target Ayo Akinola scored his first professional hat-trick as Toronto FC defeated Thierry Henry's Montreal Impact in Group C of the MLS is Back Tournament on Thursday, allnigeriasoccer.com reports.

The United States youth international has been in great form since the season restarted, with his treble against Montreal Impact taking his tally to five goals in two games.

According to the statisticians at OPTA, Akinola set a record of scoring the first hat-trick in Major League Soccer history of the Canadian Classique (26th meeting, including playoffs).

The 2000-born striker is the second player in Toronto history to score two or more goals in consecutive MLS matches after Tosaint Ricketts - September 16-20, 2017.

Akinola restored Toronto's lead with a tap in after 24 minutes and made it 3-2 with a close range effort in the 37th minute, before dinking the ball over the goalkeeper for his hat-trick in the 83rd minute.

Nigeria U23 international Orji Okwonkwo played the last 11 minutes for Montreal Impact, while Man of the Match Akinola subbed out with four minutes left.

Next up for Toronto, they face New England Revolution on Tuesday, July 21.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : torontofc.ca

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