Bedoya departs USMNT squad

Following his man-of-the-match performance in the USMNT’s 3-0 win over Nicaragua, Alejandro Bedoya is departing the U.S.’s Gold Cup squad.

In the two group stage games that he started, Bedoya served as captain for the first time in his international career.

The Union’s next game is this Wednesday, when they’ll face the Montreal Impact on the road. Whether Bedoya will be available for that one is unclear. Saturday’s game in Columbus may be a more realistic return date for the midfielder.

The Englewood, New Jersey, native chipped in with two assists on Saturday night, earning a match-high 7.5 rating from mlssoccer dot com. His first came in the 36th minute, when he played a square ball to Joe Corona after charging down the right flank. Corona took a few touches before slotting home at the near post.

Bedoya jump-started the second goal with his work on both sides of the ball. After intercepting an errant pass high up the field, Bedoya played the give-and-go with Corona before playing an exquisite ball through to a streaking Kelyn Rowe. Rowe converted from a tight angle to expand the lead to three and clinch the group for the USMNT.

Bedoya also earned a penalty in the 61st minute after drawing a handball in the box. Though it may have been fortunate, it was the result of a direct run into the box that put Nicaragua’s defenders on their heels. Unfortunately, the USMNT failed to convert from the spot for the second time that night, as Joe Corona’s attempt was saved.