The Portland Timbers made it three wins from three matches to begin their 2017 MLS season, and Darlington Nagbe capped a superb week with an assist so good that your first instinct is to doubt its intention.
Nagbe was recalled to the USMNT last week for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers, and the midfielder’s creativity was on full display in Portland’s 4-2 victory over Houston on Saturday.
Nagbe was frequently overlooked by Jurgen Klinsmann, but his ridiculous assist for David Guzman’s goal should tell you everything you need to know about his quality.
Guzmán Nagbe Guzmán@TimbersFC back in front. #PORvHOU https://t.co/Uk2x8l6XVG
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 19, 2017
This pass (assist) by Darlington Nagbe. OMG! #PORvHOU #MLS pic.twitter.com/XGddR8V26E
— Ben Jata (@Ben_Jata) March 19, 2017
You bet he did. @darlingtonnagbe with the @MLS Assist of the Week.
| https://t.co/AQYDh3UN23 #RCTID pic.twitter.com/IcbfuLOvAQ— Portland Timbers (@TimbersFC) March 20, 2017
Nagbe was the subject of an approach from Celtic back in January, but an agreeable transfer fee could not be negotiated. This is Nagbe’s seventh season with Portland.