A Chris Rolfe hat trick was all that was needed against the New York Red Bulls for a victory on Thursday night, but the Chicago Fire forward also set up two more goals in what was one of, if not, his best performance of the year as the Fire beat up on the Red Bulls 5-2.
Rolfe's inspired performance started in the 11th minute as he headed the ball into the open net from close range with nobody marking him. His seventh goal of the season was followed up by two more first half goals, the second of which was a splendid volley, and he then capped off the night with two second half assists.
"It's the first time I have had a hat trick since, I don't know, college or high school," said the Man of the Match. "It feels great. It was just one of those nights."
Last night's loss automatically forces the Red Bulls to become die-hard Colombus Crew supporters. A win or a tie by the Crew over D.C. United this weekend sees the Red Bulls advance to the play-offs, while a win by D.C. would mean the end of New York's post season dreams.
"Collectively, except for one or two players, everybody else should be very ashamed of how we played," said Red Bulls coach Juan Carlos Osorio. "To be honest, as it is right now, I have a big question mark about whether we deserve to be in the play-offs."
Regardless of his post-game sentiments, Osorio wants to extend this year and make it into the post season, but his team must now sit anxiously and hope that the Columbus team, which has already secured its Eastern Conference play-off spot, can manage at least one point against a D.C. United side that will be fighting for their play-off lives.
Osorio may not have admit it, but at this point, that's all that matters to him.
What did you think of last night's game? What about Rolfe's jaw-dropping performance? Will D.C. United beat Columbus this weekend? Share your comments below.
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