U.S. Soccer has confirmed what Swedish reports suggested: Alejandro Bedoya will replace Benny Feilhaber on the U.S. roster to face Spain in a friendly and participate in the Gold Cup.
Feilhaber injured his ankle playing for the New England Revolution in Saturday’s 1-0 loss to the LA Galaxy. Teammates helped him limp off the field and he was spotted wearing a boot and using crutches later.
As for, Bedoya, some were surprised Robbie Rogers made the U.S. roster ahead of him, and he has been in good form in Sweden. He doesn’t offer the same poise and patience on the ball that Feilhaber does, but will instead give Bob Bradley another pacy wide option – which the coach doesn’t have in abundance on this roster.
The Sweds do not seem happy about losing Bedoya, which is good news for the USMNT.
No roster change has been made yet; Bedoya has just been called into camp while Feilhaber is being evaluated. I guess the fact they brought him all the way from Sweden means they don’t feel too good about Feilhaber’s chances to recover, though.