June 23, 2016
Paul Rudderow/Philly Soccer Page
Roland Alberg's first career hat trick propelled the Union to a 4-3 win against the Chicago Fire on Wednesday night.
Roland Alberg could have had four goals on Wednesday night.
But he'll have to settle for a hat trick instead.
The Union's first-year attacking midfielder has spent most of the season on the bench, but turned up in a big way on Wednesday night, ripping off a first half brace then adding a second-half penalty to complete his trifecta.
After the 4-3 win, Alberg couldn't really find the words to describe the response he got from Union fans while walking off the field.
"It was incredible," Alberg said as reporters crowded around his locker. "The fans were great. Everybody – the fans, the staff, my teammates... I don't know the word, but yeah, they love me (laughs). But it's good. Look at me, I'm sweating right now."
So, @PhilaUnion's Roland Alberg had a pretty solid outing against Chicago. https://t.co/3gpg0nUElc
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) June 23, 2016
It's six goals in one week for the Dutchman if you count last Wednesday's U.S. Open Cup game.
And you could argue for an extra half-goal, considering that it was an Alberg shot that came off the post and went off a Fire player for an early own-goal.
"The feeling is incredible," Alberg said. "I never scored a hat trick in my life. It's the first for me. I'm happy and I want to enjoy tonight."
If you're keeping track, it's two goals against Harrisburg, one goal at New York City, and three goals against Chicago.
Oddly enough, Alberg is now third on the Union scoring charts after struggling through the majority of the spring.
"In the beginning at first, it was difficult to find my way," Alberg said. "I think in the last few weeks it's gone well. The team knows the way I play now, so that's important. I feel comfortable. I feel good and relaxed, and that's good."
This was the first hat trick in the history of Talen Energy Stadium.
It was also only the second hat trick in Philadelphia Union history. Sebastien Le Toux's triple against D.C. United took place way back on April 10th, 2010. It took more than six years for the Union to record another hat trick.
"The feeling is incredible," Alberg said. "I never scored a hat trick in my life. It's the first for me. I'm happy and I want to enjoy tonight."
