Did you see that? Bedoya's Union goal goes viral
Alejandro Bedoya realized his goal in Saturday's 1-1 Major League Soccer draw against Toronto was among the more spectacular seen this season and that point was verified after the game.
Alejandro Bedoya realized his goal in Saturday's 1-1 Major League Soccer draw against Toronto was among the more spectacular seen this season and that point was verified after the game.
Bedoya sent a chip from just inside the right side of the box, that soared over the head of keeper Clint Irwin and inside the left post. It was pinpoint accuracy at its best for his first goal in his seventh game with the Union.
"I opened my phone and there were a lot of messages there congratulating me," Bedoya said earlier this week after training. "For me the most important thing was that we didn't lose the game."
The Union earned a difficult point against a Toronto team that is in first place in the Eastern Conference and has already clinched a playoff berth.
When asked if he ever scored a goal like that, Bedoya, the U.S. national team midfielder, didn't hesitate.
"No, not a chip like that," he said. "I have scored bicycle kicks but this is another memorable goal I will keep in my locker as a memory to show my son as a memory when he grows up."
Bedoya played the No. 10 position last week (attacking midfield) as Tranquillo Barnetta sat out with a knee injury.
"I enjoyed it, I played it in France," said Bedoya, who joined the Union in August from FC Nantes of France's Ligue 1. "It was my first game playing here with this new group, and the more you get used to a certain position with the guys around you, I will feel even better."
Even though the Union would squander the 1-0 lead, earning a point in Toronto was huge for a team looking to earn its second playoff berth in their seven-year existence.
The Union (11-11-9, 42 points) have three games remaining beginning with Saturday's match at the New York Red Bulls.
New York (13-9-9) and has already clinched a playoff berth.
The Union are fourth in the Eastern Conference where the top six qualify. A win over the Red Bulls and a New England loss or tie to visiting Sporting Kansas City would clinch a playoff berth.
The Union can clinch with a draw only if New England loses, Columbus loses or ties against Chicago and Orlando loses or ties against Montreal.
Even earning a point won't be easy against a Red Bulls team that last lost a game on July 3 and enters with a 13-game MLS unbeaten streak, going 6-0-7 in that stretch.
@sjnard