Medunjanin to play for Union at New York City FC, then leave for Bosnia national team
Union midfielder Haris Medunjanin, who has arguably been the team's best player in his first Major League Soccer season, will play for the team on Saturday at New York City FC before joining Bosnia's national team in preparation for a June 9 World Cup qualifier against Greece.
Union midfielder Haris Medunjanin, who has arguably been the team's best player in his first Major League Soccer season, will play for the team on Saturday at New York City FC before joining Bosnia's national team in preparation for a June 9 World Cup qualifier against Greece.
It was earlier announced that midfielder Alejandro Bedoya will miss Saturday's game because he is with the U.S. national team, which has a friendly on Saturday in Sandy, Utah, against Venezuela. Warren Creavalle is expected to replace Bedoya.
With Creavalle known more for his defense, Union coach Jim Curtin acknowledged that Medunjanin, usually a defensive midfielder, could play up more in the attack while paired with Creavalle.
Medunjanin said that the Bosnian national team wanted him to report to camp on Thursday, but he said he will arrive on Sunday, the day after the Union game at Yankee Stadium.
"The national team of Bosnia wanted me to come on June 1, but I told them I have a game against New York, and it is important, and I want to stay with the guys," Medunjanin said on Wednesday after the Union scrimmaged their United Soccer League affiliate, the Bethlehem Steel.
"Hopefully we will win this game [Saturday] and then [I will] go with a nice feeling with the national team."
Medunjanin, who has 54 caps with the Bosnian national team, has started all 13 games for the 4-5-4 Union. He has two goals and five assists and has been among the more accurate passers in MLS.
"He is a big part of this team, and the leadership he shows [is great] in wanting to play for us," Curtin said. "I can't say enough about Haris. He is a true professional."
NYC FC took a 6-5-2 record into Wednesday's game against the New England Revolution. On April 14, NYC FC, won a 2-0 decision over the Union at Talen Energy Stadium.
In another move, Curtin said that center back Josh Yaro has been cleared to play after being out all season following Feb. 7 shoulder surgery. Curtin said Yaro could be available for selection for either the Steel or the Union. He said a decision hasn't been made. The Steel play Sunday at home against Ottawa.
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