It is truly beautiful to watch Sergio Santos celebrate a goal. No matter who scores, Santos is always there with a big hug and an even bigger smile.
Today, teammates will be smiling for Santos after his hat trick against Toronto FC propelled the Union to the top of the Eastern Conference. The Supporters' Shield is now the Union's to lose, and Santos has become a nightmare-level force alongside Kacper Przybylko. Teams that focus solely on Przybylko present Santos with an opportunity to take flight, and as he reaches full health and expands his endurance, Santos is increasingly a wrecking ball with a purpose.
His first goal against Toronto was a marriage of athleticism and skill - nobody could keep up with him as he took off into the box, and he had to keep focus with defenders blocking his view of Kai Wagner's cross. Santos followed that up with a stunning miss with the goal at his mercy, and then made up for that with a difficult far post redirection and a lung-busting run to catch Brenden Aaronson - and pass every Toronto player without gloves on - and slot home a backbreaker.
After showing his potential with a starring role in the Union's first-ever playoff win last year, Santos has found another level in 2020.
TFC was overwhelmed; it won't be the last time Sergio Santos takes on an entire team and wins.
