Jordan Pefok scores on Bundesliga debut as Union beats Hertha 3-1

United States forward Jordan Pefok scored on his Bundesliga debut to help Union Berlin defeat Hertha Berlin 3-1 in their first league game of the season on Saturday.

Pefok, who also scored on his debut in the German Cup on Monday, opened the scoring in the 31st to set Union on its way to a third consecutive league win over its rival - a fourth including their cup meeting last season - to keep the unofficial title of "Stadtmeister" (city champion).

"Stadtmeister has a nice ring to it, but it's only the first game," Union captain Christopher Trimmel said. "(League) survival remains our aim."

Pefok joined from Swiss team Young Boys in the offseason and has already become a fan favorite. He received a standing ovation along with teammate Genki Haraguchi when they were taken off late in the game.

Sheraldo Becker and Robin Knoche also scored to ensure Hertha's difficult start to the season continued after its German Cup exit to second-division Eintracht Braunschweig last weekend. Hertha only barely clinched survival last season and new coach Sandro Schwarz faces a tall order to restore the team's confidence.

Tempers frayed outside before kickoff as road closures led to traffic chaos around Union's Stadion an der Alten F