Israeli national soccer team forward Tai Baribo scored a hat-trick overnight Thursday, inspiring his Philadelphia Union side to a 5-1 victory over the New England Revolution and becoming the first Israeli player to hit the treble in a single Major League Soccer (MLS) match.
He scored his first goal with a header (29), followed by two goals with his feet after successful runs into the box (44, 53).
Despite rumors of Baribo potentially leaving Philadelphia, the 26-year-old has been in stellar form, producing six goals in his last nine outings.
Baribo was named Man of the Match and was substituted off in the 90th minute for Cavan Sullivan who at 14 years and 293 days old became the youngest debutant in any of North America's professional sports leagues (MLB, MLS, NBA, NFL, NHL, NWSL).
The midfield prodigy broke the record previously held by Freddy Adu, who debuted for D.C. United on April 3, 2004, at 14 years and 307 days old.
In May, Sullivan and his family confirmed to ESPN that his contract with Philadelphia has a clause that calls for a transfer to English powerhouse Manchester City once he turns 18. He will not be able to do so beforehand due to the local league's regulations.
"I don’t really listen to anyone, whether it’s good or bad," said the attacking midfielder, who reportedly signed the most expensive homegrown contract in MLS history. Although he cannot move to Manchester City in England, he holds a German passport, which may allow him to transfer to Europe and play for other City Football Group teams – such as Girona (Spain), Lommel (Belgium) or Palermo (Italy) – when he turns 16.
Meanwhile, Israeli national team striker Liel Abada started for Charlotte in its 1-1 draw with Columbus Crew. The Israeli played 90 minutes.