TRANSFER TRACKER:Trade
The Philadelphia Union goalkeeper corps was shuffled around some on Friday, as the Eastern Conference leaders announced they acquired Joe Bendik from Columbus Crew SC in exchange for a natural 2020 MLS SuperDraft second-round selection.
Concurrently, Carlos Miguel Coronel has returned to Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg from his loan to Philadelphia. The move opens up an international slot for the Union, who now also have 2016 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Andre Blake and Homegrown Player Matt Freese at the position.
“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,” Union sporting director Ernst Tanner 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 has been added to the Union’s active roster and will be eligible for the club’s home match Saturday (7:30 pm ET | TV & streaming info) against the Chicago Fire.
The veteran goalkeeper, 30, has appeared in 176 matches during his MLS career. Across that span, Bendik has featured for the Portland Timbers, Toronto FC and Orlando City SC. Bendik had started six games for Columbus in 2019 before the trade. Should Bendik meet certain performance conditions, Crew SC will receive $50,000 in General Allocation Money for the 2020 MLS season.
Bendik, who played collegiately at Clemson, entered MLS in 2012 with Portland after a two-year stint in Norway.
