At the MLS SuperDraft in January, the Union stated they were on the hunt for another attacking option. On Thursday, they got their man in 25-year-old Roland Alberg from ADO Den Haag of the Dutch Eredivisie.
The deal is for two years and was completed with the use of Targeted Allocation Money. Alberg will occupy an international roster spot.
"Roland has the versatility and ability to play multiple positions at a high level of class," Union sporting director Earnie Stewart said. "He's a player we immediately identified as a perfect fit for our club as he'll add additional quality to our midfield."
Right-footed Alberg, is a center attacking midfielder by trade, but has spent time on the left wing side and up top as a striker for Den Haag. He's billed as an adept passer with decent speed that has the ability to score goals with his heavy shot.
With Den Haag since the 2013-14 season, Alberg scored 16 goals and 13 assists in 60 starts.
He spent time in the Netherlands u18 and u20 teams and is a product of the AZ Alkmaar youth system, competing for the AZ Alkmaar u19 and u21 teams. In 2011-12, he made move to S.B.V. Excelsior of the Eredivisie before eventually landing at Den Haag in late 2013.
This is the first Union signing that has Stewert's direct fingerprints. He was the director of football affairs for AZ Alkmaar from 2010 through October 2015, before joining the Union.
It's unknown where Alberg will fit with the Union, as the club currently features established Tranquillo Barnetta as CAM with youngster Leo Fernandes as back-up. It's possible the Union view Alberg as a left wing midfielder to help support and spell veteran Chris Pontius, with Sebastien Le Toux and Eric Ayuk working the right side.
