What’s better: quantity or quality?
Thankfully, Orlando City doesn’t have to choose.
The Club announced today it signed goalkeeper Joe Bendik to a three-year contract extension, keeping him in purple (or at least a Lions keeper kit) through the end of 2019.
Last year was, for Bendik, at least, an outstanding season. He was the only player on the team to play all 3060 minutes; he posted the second-highest saves total in MLS with 114; and won MLS Save of the Week 11 times.
Just think about that. Eleven times over a 34-week season Bendik came up with a save more spectacular than anyone else. On the team that allowed the most goals in the league.
Tack on the MLS Save of the Year – a double-save actually, for back-to-back stops against Sporting KC – and it’s really no surprise that GM Niki Budalic thought it best to lock up his lead backstop.
And there’s no concern that 2016 was a flash in the pan, either. For all the hype and hoopla surrounding Opening Day and the excitement and euphoria that came with that thrilling win, the Lions were largely dictated to by New York City. But nearly 70 percent possession and 14 shots – seven of them on target – still wasn’t enough to beat Bendik.
And to no surprise, Bendik won MLS Save of the Week. Surely the first of many.
It would be wrong to neglect his four defenders for their play on the night. New acquisitions Jonathan Spector, Donny Toia and Will Johnson – a midfielder dropped in at right back – showed excellent chemistry alongside José Aja. They kept NYC’s potent attack at bay and it was Aja’s foot that fended off Jack Harrison’s point-blank rip to keep the sheet clean.
But there was no heroism from his defenders when Alex Ring got in behind for a 1-on-1 with Bendik. Instead, he got enough of his arm on the shot to deflect it out. It was one of his seven saves that propelled into the top five in the league despite playing just one game.
Once again, quantity and quality.
As a last line of defense, not much more you can ask for.
