Union acquires GK Bendik while opening international slot

[July 20, 2019]    The Philadelphia Union moved to solidify their spot atop the MLS's Eastern Conference, acquiring veteran goalkeeper Joe Bendik on Friday in a trade with the Columbus Crew for a second-round draft pick in 2020.

Columbus Crew SC goalkeeper Joe Bendik (1) reacts after conceding a penalty kick to Seattle Sounders midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro (10) (not shown) at MAPFRE Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports

In a related move, the Union also returned goalkeeper Carlos Miguel Coronel from his loan with Red Bull Salzburg in Austria, a transaction that opens an international slot on the roster.

Bendik, 30, has appeared in 176 career MLS games for the Portland Timbers, Toronto FC, Orlando City and Columbus. He appeared in six games with the Crew this season, going 0-5-1 while allowing 12 goals and making 14 saves.

The Union will add Bendik to its group of goalkeepers, which includes 2016 MLS goalkeeper of the year Andre Blake and homegrown player Matt Freese.

The Union, which sits atop the Eastern Conference at 10-6-6 (36 points), will have Bendik available on the active roster when the team plays host to the Chicago Fire on Saturday.

--Field Level Media

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