Section 215
Fansided

Philadelphia Union Victorious Behind Alberg Hat-Trick

By Paul Catrino Jr.

Mar 20, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Union forward C.J. Sapong (17) celebrates with teammates forward Chris Pontius (13) and midfielder Roland Alberg (6) against the New England Revolution during the first half at Talen Energy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 20, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Union forward C.J. Sapong (17) celebrates with teammates forward Chris Pontius (13) and midfielder Roland Alberg (6) against the New England Revolution during the first half at Talen Energy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

It may not have been pretty but the Philadelphia Union got the job done last night against the Chicago Fire thanks to the heroic goal scoring efforts of midfielder Roland Alberg.

When the Fire scored just two minutes into Wednesday night’s home game, a collectively “uh oh” echoed throughout Talen Energy Stadium. At this point, the Philadelphia Union were shell shocked from the lightning fast counter attack that Chicago had put together. The life was sucked out of the stands in an instant and fans were left to wonder how their team would respond.

They responded by giving Dutch midfielder Roland Alberg the ball which currently seems to be the driving catalyst for the core of this Union attack. By halftime, he had netted two goals and was directly responsible for an own goal scored in the 11th minute that put his team back on track. A penalty kick awarded to Philadelphia in the 2nd half gave Alberg his first career hat trick at any level and only the second in Union history.

Needless to say, he’s my new favorite person in the 215 area.

Alberg now has six goals in his last three games for The Philadelphia Union. This coming from the guy who averaged less than 10 minutes per appearance to start the season as a sub for Jim Curtin’s squad. Now it seems that he has earned himself a consistent spot in the starting 11 which speaks volumes about the quality of players that can be found out in the global market when you have a legend like Earnie Stewart running personnel.

More from Philadelphia Union

The Philadelphia Union’s current run of form is one of historic nature. Their 10-game unbeaten streak at home is tied for the franchise record with an opportunity to break that mark this Saturday versus Vancouver. They currently sit four points clear at the top of the Eastern Conference despite losing their first game since April 16th to New York City FC last Saturday. All this mixed with the growing culture and pedigree of this organization has the Union in a spot very few would have been able to confidently predict before the start of the season.

Fellow midfielders Chris Pontius and Ilsinho provided quality chances for Alberg through the middle to create space and give him numerous opportunities to do what he does best. Meanwhile, Tranquillo Barnetta played a relatively new role this game by dropping back next to Brian Carroll in the holding midfield area which head coach Jim Curtin described as “a risk” but ultimately paid off in the end.

Philadelphia Union
Philadelphia Union midfielder Roland Alberg (6) walks onto the field with a young fan prior to a game against the Orlando City FC at Talen Energy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

“We were rewarded with the four goals, but I’m gonna get on the guys for the restarts, that drives me crazy.”

The Philadelphia Union defense was caught looking on quite a few occasions which ultimately allowed Chicago to claw their way back into the game in the 2nd half. And while the scoreline clearly reflects an issue in the back, Curtin knows that the situation his team has been put in with the loss of midfielder Vincent Nogueira has been one that’s called on him to improvise a bit with team selection.

Next: Resiliency is a Wonderful Thing

“Listen, that’s the first time, count the 2nd half where we’re down in New York… that’s the second time they’ve done it together” Curtin mentioned in regards to Barnetta sliding back and Alberg playing centrally. “For everyone to think it’s just gonna click and be perfect defensively, that’s not gonna happen.”

Philadelphia Union
Philadelphia Union midfielder Roland Alberg, right, celebrates after scoring a goal during stoppage time in the second half against the City Islanders FC at Talen Energy Stadium. The Union won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

While there is obvious room for improvement, it’s clear that this Philadelphia Union team has true depth in the central attacking role and down the wings which have allowed for goals to come from numerous players over the course of this season. On this night, only one man, in particular, needed the ball at his feet to put this game to bed and advance the cause of the boys in blue.

Roland Alberg, take a bow. Welcome to the Philadelphia limelight.

Home/Philadelphia Union