CHESTER, Pa. (September 22, 2022) – Philadelphia Union announced today that the club has reached an agreement on a new contract with MLS veteran midfielder, and team captain, Alejandro Bedoya. The former U.S. National Team player first joined the Union as a Designated Player in 2016 and will return on a one-year contract for the 2023 season.
“Alejandro embodies the spirit and passion of this team and this city. His mentality and leadership have had a major impact on the young core that has been so successful for us these past few seasons, and right now he’s having one of his best seasons in MLS,” said Philadelphia Union Sporting Director, Ernst Tanner. “He’s a leader in our locker room and our community, and it was important to ensure he returns next year as we look to continue competing for trophies in MLS and international competitions.”
This season, Bedoya has scored an MLS career-high six goals and has tied his career-high six assists in 29 games. He recently became the ninth player in club history to score at least 20 goals for the Union and only the third to score 20 goals and notch 20 assists. Additionally, he tied the club record for most assists in a single game with three helpers against Houston Dynamo. Bedoya has been an integral part of a midfield that has helped the team remain at the top of the Eastern Conference and locked up a spot in the 2022 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs, as well as securing a berth in the 2023 Concacaf Champions League for the second time in team history. In 2020, Bedoya was team captain when Philadelphia Union won its first-ever Supporters’ Shield for having the best record in Major League Soccer.
Bedoya, 35, joined the Union after a successful career in Europe and a three-season run with French Ligue 1 giants, Nantes. After being named the Union’s captain in 2017, he was called up to the United States Men’s National Team where he was a part of the championship-winning 2017 Concacaf Gold Cup squad.
Bedoya has a total of 66 caps for the USMNT, making his debut in 2010. In addition to being a part of the U.S. 2013 Concacaf Gold Cup run, he also played in all four of the U.S.’ matches at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
TRANSACTION:Â Philadelphia Union sign midfielder Alejandro Bedoya to a one-year contract on September 22, 2022.
