Who has been at the forefront of Orlando City’s current two-game shutout streak? Who else but Joe Bendik.
Bendik’s Star-of-the-match performance against Chicago earned him a spot in the MLS Team of the Week and an MLS Save of the Week nomination for his spectacular goal line punch against D.C. United.
As if any of us forgot, these match-deciding performances have reminded people of Bendik’s irreplaceable value to Orlando City. Last year Bendik was voted by fans and the players as Orlando City’s Player of the Year in a campaign which saw Bendik start all 34 games for the Lions. The keeper has followed up an unforgettable 2016 season with more exemplary goalkeeping between the sticks for Orlando City.
Here are Joe Bendik’s goalkeeping stats (with League rank) for the 2017 MLS season so far:
Games played: 15 (T-2nd)
Games started: 15 (T-2nd)
Wins: 7 (T-1st)
Shutouts: 5 (T-2nd)
Saves: 53 (2nd)
Goals conceded (min. 15 starts): 18 (2nd)
Save % (min. 15 starts): 76% (2nd)
Perhaps only Sporting Kansas City’s goalkeeper, Tim Melia, is having a more successful season on the stat sheet than Orlando City’s Joe Bendik. Bendik’s impact, however, is felt far beyond stats for the Lions. His superb ability to claim aerial threats, effective ball distribution, and confident demeanor in the box are just a few qualities of Bendik’s game that make him a special keeper; a keeper that we are lucky to have between the sticks.
Bendik’s consistent performances have earned him a call up to the USMNT’s 40-player preliminary roster for Gold Cup competition this summer. The Orlando City keeper has some experience in USA’s youth system, but this would be his first experience playing with the senior squad. Bruce Arena’s final 23-man roster for the tournament will be announced before June 27th. Bendik is excited for the opportunity in front of him, but knows it will be a challenge to make the final roster:
“I’m excited. I know there is still a lot of work to be done to actually make it [on the final roster]. It’s awesome and I’m really excited,” Bendik told reporters after Sunday night’s draw against Chicago.
Best of luck to Joe with his pursuit of National Team selection. No doubt he has earned the opportunity.
