Soriano writes footballing and parenting history
Misses Ist half of game to attend birth of child, scores winning hat trick in 2nd half.
VIENNA (AFP) – A day he ll never forget! Soriano misses the first half to attend the birth of his daughter, but gets to the stadium in time to score match-winning second-half hat-trick.
Jonathan Soriano wrote footballing and parenting history this weekend by attending the birth of his child and then scoring a winning hat trick for Austrian side Salzburg.
The 28-year-old Spaniard rushed from his wife Cristina s bedside after little Abril had been safely delivered to come on after half-time against Wolfsberger, with the score at 2-2.
After just four minutes, the former Barcelona player found the back of the net with a neat chip over the head of Wolfsberger s keeper, putting the defending champions in front.
Brazilian team-mate Alan then made it 4-2 before the proud father, who already has two daughters, scored in the 77th minute -- and again in the 88th for good measure.
With three daughters, three goals and three points for his team, currently second in the league table, it was, Soriano said, "an incredible day for me".
"I don t think I m going to forget it in a hurry."
Former Barcelona striker Jonathan Soriano could have been forgiven for taking the day off after his wife was rushed to hospital this weekend.
But having witnessed Cristina Sabater give birth to their third child, a daughter named Abril, on the morning of the game between his Red Bull Salzburg and rivals Wolfsberger, it was announced Soriano was heading for the match.
A friend said: The little senorita is there, we re on our way to the stadium. Tell the coach that Jonny would like to play if he can.
Salzburg are second in the Austrian Bundesliga thanks largely to Soriano s goals. But approaching half-time, with their star man not nowhere to be seen, they were being held 2-2 at home.
Thankfully, Soriano was inspired by the joyous news of that morning and, after taking to the field at the start of the second half, fired his side to victory with a supreme hat-trick.
Just four minutes after coming on, he found the back of the net with a cute lob to put the defending champions into the lead.
Then, after Alan had notched from close range, the father grabbed his second from a corner, and completed his memorable afternoon with a sharp finish from an acute angle.
The three strikes took the 27-year-old, who was tracked closely by Swansea recently, to within two of Philipp Hosiner, who has plundered 27 for first Admira then leaders Austria Vienna.
Reflecting on the day, he said: This is an incredible day for me. Having the chance to play and three goals, I think I will not forget any time soon. .
