Hany Mukhtar scores fastest ever MLS hat trick

Hany Mukhtar scored the fastest hat trick in MLS history during Nashville SC's comfortable 5-1 victory over Chicago Fire this weekend.

Mukhtar bagged his three goals in six minutes, with the last coming just after the quarter of an hour mark. As well as being the quickest MLS hat trick it was also the first time a Nashville player had scored three in a single game.

Mukhtar's first goal was a clinical finish, laid on a plate by C.J. Sapong following a misplaced pass from a Chicago defender. His second was even better. Receiving a low cross on the edge of the box he dazzled with a few stepovers before bending an effort past Bobby Shuttleworth.

Mukhtar saved the best till last, completing his hat trick with a terrific curling free kick in the 16th minute. His strike even clipped the bar on the way in for added style points.

After this electric start, Nashville continued to dominate and went close on several occasions. Just before half time C.J. Sapong did add another goal, lashing home the rebound after Dylan Nealis struck the post.

Chicago - who were reduced to ten men early in the first half - regained some dignity after the break with Ignacio Aliseda tapping home. However, Nashville would restore their four goal advantage before full time thanks to a precise finish from Brian Anunga. Anunga's strike set another Nashville club record for the most goals scored in an MLS game.

The victory moved Nashville up to fifth in the Eastern Conference, five points clear in the Playoffs places - albeit having played one game more than their closest rivals, New York Bulls. Mukhtar moves onto seven goals for the season, three behind current MLS top scorers Javier Hernandez and Raul Ruidiaz.