After leading Philadelphia Union to a resounding 5-1 victory on Wednesday night, the trio of Tai Baribo, Jakob Glesnes and Kai Wagner have been named to the MLS Team of the Matchday.
Baribo led the offense with his first career hat trick as a member of the Boys in Blue. Baribo bagged a brace in the first half with goals in the 29th and 44th minute of play. Baribo scored the Union's 10th hat trick in MLS regular season play in club history in the 52nd minute.
While Baribo had a hat trick of goals, Kai Wagner delivered with a hat trick of assists. Wagner's first helper came on Baribo's first goal of the night as he delivered the corner kick service to Jack Elliott for the squared off pass to the Israeli striker. Ten minutes later Wagner again was pin perfect off a set piece as he connected with Jakob Glesnes for the near post finish. The German left back notched his third hat trick of assists on Baribo's final goal of the evening to become the only defender in MLS to produce at least 30 assists across the last three seasons. Wagner is just the seventh player in league history, regardless of position, to achieve this feat.
Glesnes earned Team of the Matchday bench honors for his goal in the 39th minute that saw the Norwegian center back score his first goal of the season. The Union defender had two tackles and a clearance along with five possessions won for the squad.
The Boys in Blue look to conclude MLS play before the Leagues Cup break on a strong note as they host Nashville SC on Saturday night. The contest serves as Military Appreciation Night presented by GIANT with kick off set for 7:30PM ET at Subaru Park.
