Philly Sports Jabronis
Report From Philadelphia Union
CHESTER, Pa. – The Philadelphia Union has announced that midfielder Alejandro Bedoya (United States) and goalkeeper Andre Blake (Jamaica) have received call-ups from their respective federations to represent their countries in international competition.
Bedoya has been named to the United States National Team roster by head coach Bruce Arena for two upcoming qualification matches for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. He joined the USMNT ahead of contests vs. Costa Rica (Sept. 1) in Harrison, New Jersey and will play at Honduras (Sept. 5) in San Pedro Sula, Honduras.
The USMNT is currently competing in CONCACAF Fifth Round qualification, commonly known as the Hexagonal, where the Stars and Stripes sit in third place in the six-team group. The top three qualify directly to the 2018 FIFA World Cup, while the fourth-placed squad advances to an inter-confederation playoff.
Bedoya has earned 64 caps for the United States since his international debut in 2010. He most recently represented the USA en route to a 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup championship, where he made three appearances during the Group Stage before departing the team due to the birth of his second child.
Meanwhile, Blake joined Jamaica ahead of the Reggae Boyz’ friendly against Canada (Sept. 2), taking place at BMO Field in Toronto. Blake has earned 30 caps over the course of his international career.
Most recently, the May Pen native shined at the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup, capturing the tournament’s Golden Glove award as its best goalkeeper. He kept clean sheets against Curacao and Mexico in the Group Stage as well as another clean sheet over Mexico in the Semifinals, helping Jamaica to a runner-up finish.
Philadelphia Union returns to action on Saturday, Sept. 9 when they travel to the Twin Cities to face Minnesota United FC for the first time (8:00 p.m. ET / TCN).
