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A veteran goalkeeper who was beaten on two of the more dramatic goals in Philadelphia Union history was acquired by the team on Friday in a trade with Columbus Crew.
Veteran Joe Bendik was acquired via a trade for a 2020 second round SuperDraft pick with the Crew to replace Carlos Miguel Coronel on the first team roster. Coronel was loaned to the Union from Red Bull Salzburg, but the Austrian Bundesliga team requested him back.
“Red Bull Salzburg approached us, expressing interest in having Carlos back this summer, prior to the expiration of his loan agreement at the end of our season,” Ernst Tanner, Union Sporting Director, said in a statement. “We were happy to oblige as we have worked out a solution in acquiring Joe from Columbus. He is an MLS veteran who brings over seven years of experience in this league to our group. We look forward to integrating him quickly as we continue our push toward the MLS Cup Playoffs.”
Bendik was on the receiving end of dramatic game-winning free kicks by Jose Kleberson and Tranquillo Barnetta at Talen Energy Stadium while with Toronto FC in 2013 and Orlando City in 2016.
The Sons of Ben reminded him of both goals with a Bendik Face banner hung in the River End in March when Bendik and the Columbus Crew were in town. Bendik also made a reference to his face in a message posted on the Union’s social media channels.
The Huntington, New York native was making $144,000 in guaranteed compensation for the Crew this season, according to salary information released by the players association last month. Coronel was making $148,425 but also occupying an international roster spot.
With his departure, the Union now have 10 international players and nine spots not counting Cory Burke, who is still unavailable because of visa issues. Michee Ngalina is currently listed as “on loan” with the Steel and is not counting as occupying one of the nine international spots.
A former Clemson University goalkeeper, Bendik spent his first two seasons as a professional in Norway playing for Sogndal before joining MLS with Portland in 2012. He’s played in 176 regular-season matches over his MLS career.