Photo: 215pix
It’s not just the fact that he scored the game-winning goal that makes Alejandro Bedoya this week’s Player of the Week.
It’s how he did it: While playing right back.
Down 1-0 to Dallas, Philadelphia Union head coach Jim Curtin pulled defensive-minded fullback Ray Gaddis in the 78th minute, inserted new box-to-box dynamo Jamiro Monteiro in center midfield and moved Bedoya for the first time in his Union career to right back.
From there, Bedoya helped dictate the pace of the game in possession for the final 20 minutes as a fullback with the freedom to move far upfield. During that time, he connected 11 of 12 passes and netted the game-winner on a brilliant combination with Ilsinho, who had moved into Bedoya’s slot as the right-sided midfielder in the diamond midfield.
SURPRISE: The Ilsinho-Ale 🔥🔥🔥 is up for @MLS Goal of the Week!
Hit the 💙 & VOTE VOTE VOTE ☑️👉https://t.co/Rn0HH2BAfx #DOOP | #ThisIsPhilly | @alebedoya17 pic.twitter.com/EezH1hOdLd
— Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) April 8, 2019
It’s the type of play every team wants from their captain, with the type of positional sacrifice one would demand as well.
Is right back Bedoya’s best position? Of course not, unless new evidence arises.
But on a team that still hasn’t adequately replaced departed hometown stalwart Keegan Rosenberry, it was exactly what the Union needed.
Honorable mention
- Peter Nolan, West Chester United. Nolan scored twice to send the local amateur powerhouse onto the U.S. Open Cup in a 3-0 win over Safira FC.
- Sergio Santos. On injury rehab for Bethlehem Steel, Santos scored a stoppage time winner to cap a stunning 4-3 comeback win over Swope Park Rangers. And if you think this guy wasn’t taking the match seriously, given it wasn’t for the first team, then check out this celebration.
The game-winner from Sergio Santos!!#WeAreSteel | #SteelSquad | #SPRvBST pic.twitter.com/sRIOmkGgnT
— Philadelphia Union II (@PhilaUnionII) April 6, 2019
clearly deserves it. i won’t go so far as to say best but clearly a top 3 moment for him in Blue.
That celebration from Santos is great. I can’t wait to see him fully healthy and playing on the senior team. I love what Picault, Accam, and Burke have done so far, but we still don’t have a reliable finisher from the group. It would be great to have him fill that role, and have 4 guys to rotate based on match-ups/rest.
Fitting! He guy plays hard and really does the hard work that goes unnoticed. Leading by example on the pitch! Good for him!!