Four years ago in Chester, Philadelphia Union fans saw the second hat trick in club history as Roland Alberg found the back of the net three times as the Boys in Blue defeated the Chicago Fire, 4-3. Below is the original match recap that appeared on PhiladelphiaUnion.com
Philadelphia Union can’t be stopped at Talen Energy Stadium. The club is now unbeaten in 10 consecutive matches, tying a franchise record. The streak dates back to Sept. 20, 2015 and the Union are 8-0-2 in that stretch, outscoring opponents 21-9 during the stretch.
Tonight the spotlight was on Roland Alberg, and the goals keep on rolling for the Dutch attacking midfielder. Alberg recorded the second hat-trick in franchise history; the previous one came from Sebastien Le Toux on April 10, 2010. Alberg was very pleased with his performance.
“The feeling is incredible. I have never scored a hat-trick in my life. This is the first time for me.,” Alberg said. “As I said, I’m happy and I want to enjoy tonight.”
The first goal of the night for Alberg came from a fortuitous bounce in the 15th minute. Tranquillo Barnetta sent a shot from outside of the box that again, hit the post. The ball found its way to Fabian Herbers who gently tapped the ball over to Alberg. Using his right foot Alberg buried home the third goal for the Union.
Alberg’s second goal came in stoppage time of the first half. After a beautiful set up from Ilsinho to Herbers, the German sent a shot on target that was blocked right to Alberg. Perseverance paid dividends as Alberg’s first attempt was blocked by a Fire defender. Alberg recovered the rebound and delivered home his second goal of the match.
The final piece to the hat-trick was the easiest for Alberg. Chris Pontius was a crucial factor making a run into the box, Pontius was dragged down in the box and was awarded the penalty kick. Alberg stepped up and delivered home his third goal of the night. When Alberg was replaced by Le Toux he was given a standing ovation that touched the first year player.
“It’s incredible. The fans were great. Everybody – the fans, the staff, my teammates,” Alberg said. “I don’t know the word, but yeah, they love me.”
The club has given up three goals in consecutive games, before this past Saturday the Union hadn’t allowed more than two goals in a match. Despite the win, Philadelphia Union head coach Jim Curtin knows his team has a lot to work on moving forward, but is happy to leave the match with three points.
“A big three points. I said it at halftime to the guys, I’d say for team attacking in the first half was even better in the second half attacking-wise as a team, A+. Defensively as a team, F,” Curtin said. “Good moments though, there’s still positives in the attack. Really excited about the great night for Roland Alberg around the goal”
