Julian Green scores hat trick in Bayern Munich's blowout of Inter Milan

Julian Green has set two goals for himself this preseason: 1) stick with Bayern Munich’s senior team and 2) become a part of the United States men’s national team’s plans again. The 21-year-old made considerable strides toward achieving both in Saturday’s International Champions Cup game against Inter Milan in Charlotte, N.C.

Green, who burst onto the American soccer scene two years ago by surprisingly earning a spot on Jurgen Klinsmann’s World Cup roster and then scoring a superb extra-time strike against Belgium in the Round of 16, recorded a first-half hat trick during an impressive 28-minute stretch in Bayern’s 4-1 victory at Bank of America Stadium.

The offensive outburst looked effortless for Green, who put himself in dangerous spots to take advantage of some exceptional service. His opening goal in the seventh minute — a sliding, point-blank toe poke — was a perfect example of that.

A layoff by Franck Ribery (who made it 2-0 in the 13th minute) put Green in position to get his brace. Green took his time to roll his left-footed strike past goalkeeper Samir Handanovic inside the far post.

Green’s hat trick came five minutes later with the easiest of his three goals. Rafinha’s overlapping run on the right and low cross into the box found Green all alone for the easy tap-in and a 4-0 Bayern cushion.

The extended time off for Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Muller after Euro 2016 has given Green the opportunity to prove himself to Carlo Ancelotti, the new Bayern manager. Ancelotti has praised the work ethic of the German-American but remains noncommittal on Green’s senior team status. “He’s with us, and he has to continue to work hard to improve,” Ancelotti said.

Still, a fresh start is all Green could’ve asked for after struggling the last two years, including a disappointing loan at Hamburg. Now with three goals in two ICC matches, he is making the most of a second chance with his club — and essentially his country. If there’s any coach who will give Green the benefit of any doubts, it’s Klinsmann.

“Bayern was always my club, so it’s very important for me to make it here,” Green told Goal.com before Saturday’s friendly. “I know it’s hard, but I also know that it’s not impossible.”