Photo by ISIPhotos.com
By DAN ITEL
If there was a bright spot in the U.S. Men’s National Team’s uninspired performance from Wednesday’s 2-0 defeat in a friendly against Ukraine, it was Alejandro Bedoya.
In a game that featured a disjointed back-line performance and a punchless showing by central attackers Clint Dempsey and Jozy Altidore — concerning indeed for the USMNT’s hopes in Brazil — it was Bedoya on the right wing who appeared to be the most dangerous in the Yanks attack. Bedoya beat out Tim Howard, Geoff Cameron, and Aron Johannsson for the honor.
Most of Bedoya’s best work came in the second half, with Ukraine controlling most of the action early on.
He teamed up with Kljestan, Altidore and Dempsey on a nice build-up in the 49th minute. But Bedoya’s shot was blocked out for a corner kick.
Right back Geoff Cameron and Bedoya teamed up to get a cross in to Altidore, but his header went over the crossbar in the 51st minute. Bedoya then made a strong run in the 52nd minute that ended with a nice look that rolled just wide of the far post.
He finished with two of just six shots for the USMNT.
In his 27th cap, Bedoya’s performance Wednesday was yet another resume builder for Brazil 2014 after solid work last summer in the USMNT’s first Gold Cup championship in six years.
The performance on Wednesday likely helped Bedoya case for a World Cup spot as USMNT boss Jurgen Klinsmann searches for a true winger to add to his final roster. Bedoya has widely been considered one of the many bubble players needing to make their best case to be included this summer.
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What do you think of Bedoya’s performance? Was there anyone else who impressed you against Ukraine?
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