Roland Alberg was the story of the game tonight versus the Chicago Fire. He would play a big part in the Unions 4-3 win as he would score a hat trick. He may have had even (4!) that’s right four goals if it was not for the own goal Chicago scored on themselves off a shot from Alberg that deflected off Jonathan Campbell and in. Alberg was with no doubt the star player of the game.
In the first half the Union would let up an goal due to bad defense on their end as David Accam scored for Chicago in the 2nd minute. But, the Union would recover nicely with the own goal on the Chicago Fire to tie things all up one a piece. Alberg would then get his first of three goals in the 14th minute of play. The rest of the first half would be well played by the Union, controlling the ball very well and putting pressure on the Fire’s defensive unit as Roland Alberg would capitalize with his second goal of the game in stoppage time.
The Union would come out strong to start the second half as they would receive a penalty kick as Chris Pontius was taken down in the box. The Union would send up none other than Roland Alberg to take the shot, and when he took it, it was a beauty. This goal would be Alberg’s third and his first career hat trick. It was the second ever hat trick in Philadelphia Union history, as the first hat trick was back in 2010 by Sébastien Le Toux against D.C. United. After this milestone goal by Alberg the Union would start easing up on pressure and playing more defensively and the Fire would capitalize on this. Razvan Cocis would score for the Chicago Fire in the 60th minute. Then in the 80th minute things would get real tense as Khaly Thiam would score for the Fire and cut it down to a one goal lead for the Union. Fortunately the Union would hold on to win the game 4-3. They would pick up a crucial 3 points by winning to hold onto first in the Eastern Conference Table, and now have a 4 point lead over the New York Red Bulls. The Philadelphia Union will next take on the Vancouver Whitecaps FC Saturday at 7pm at Talen Energy Stadium.
Roland Alberg’s hat trick finishing goal
Coach Jim Curtin’s post game press conference
Brian Caroll speaks post game.
My interview with goalkeeper Andre Blake
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