German-born Ghanaian forward Prince Owusu delivered a breathtaking hat-trick to inspire Major League Soccer (MLS) side Montreal CF to a thrilling 4-4 draw against DC United at Audi Field in Washington on Saturday, putting his name squarely in front of Black Stars coach Carlos Queiroz with just days to go before the World Cup squad announcement.
Owusu completed his first MLS hat-trick from the penalty spot four minutes into stoppage time, and teenager Hennadii Synchuk then scored the equaliser two minutes later to salvage a point for the Canadian side.
DC United controlled the opening exchanges, taking a two-goal lead through Jared Stroud before the half-hour mark. Owusu gave Montreal hope just before halftime, winning possession from a DC United defender and finishing with composure to make it 2-1.
Tai Baribo added a penalty in the 51st minute to restore DC United’s two-goal cushion, but Owusu struck again in the 61st minute with a left-footed finish, assisted by midfielder Wiki Carmona, to pull Montreal back within one. Bartlett then scored to push DC United 4-2 ahead in the 87th minute, before Owusu converted from the spot deep in stoppage time. Owusu then beat his marker inside the box and laid the ball across for Synchuk to complete the comeback.
The 29-year-old was involved in all four Montreal goals, scoring three and providing one assist, taking his tally to nine goals and six assists for the season, making him one of the most productive forwards in the league.
The timing of the performance carries significant weight. Queiroz is expected to name his provisional World Cup squad by June 1, and Ghana open their 2026 Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup campaign against Panama on June 17 in Toronto, Canada, before facing England and Croatia in Group L.
Queiroz has indicated his intention to blend seasoned players with emerging talent to build a cohesive unit capable of competing on the world stage, a profile Owusu’s current form fits precisely.
