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World Cup 2010: USA Winger Alejandro Bedoya Cites Personal Trainer For Meteoric Rise
The winger explains his rise to the cusp of the World Cup.
May 24, 2010 4:16:00 AM
By Zac Lee Rigg, with reporting from Terence Steed
Six months ago, even the most avid U.S. soccer fans hadn't heard of Alejandro Bedoya, let alone imagined he'd be on the cusp of making the 2010 World Cup roster for the United States. But that's where the 23-year-old finds himself.
Following his career at Boston College, Bedoya spurned Major League Soccer for Sweden, signing with Orebro. There, the wily winger built his career. After a successful 2009, he earned his first international cap in January of 2010.
Substitute appearances against Honduras and Holland were enough to convince U.S. coach Bob Bradley that Bedoya belonged in his 30-man preliminary roster.
Bedoya recons the only reason he's on the national team radar is because of a decision he made last summer.
"I think that for my professional career one thing that changed was last year, the midseason, we had summer break and, instead of going on vacation, I came back home and got a personal trainer," Bedoya said. "I worked out hard, worked out extra, went back to my club and the first game back I came in as a substitute and scored two goals.
"From there on my confidence grew. My motivation [grew]. I ended up taking a starting role. And from there I think that is what changed it for me."
Bedoya and the rest of the U.S. squad are taking part in a training camp in Princeton, N.J., preparing for a friendly against the Czech Republic on Tuesday. The midfielder likely only has one more game to impress Bradley before the coach trims his squad down to 23.
Bedoya knows if he earns a ticket to South Africa, he has his trainer to thank.
"I think that that went a long way for me," he said of his summer decision. "I felt a lot stronger. I felt a lot fitter. And I feel like as soon as I got there, some guys they went on vacation and stuff, and right when we got going I could see the difference in myself."
Visit the U.S. national team page on Goal.com for more and join Goal.com USA's Facebook fan page!
Following his career at Boston College, Bedoya spurned Major League Soccer for Sweden, signing with Orebro. There, the wily winger built his career. After a successful 2009, he earned his first international cap in January of 2010.
Substitute appearances against Honduras and Holland were enough to convince U.S. coach Bob Bradley that Bedoya belonged in his 30-man preliminary roster.
Bedoya recons the only reason he's on the national team radar is because of a decision he made last summer.
"I think that for my professional career one thing that changed was last year, the midseason, we had summer break and, instead of going on vacation, I came back home and got a personal trainer," Bedoya said. "I worked out hard, worked out extra, went back to my club and the first game back I came in as a substitute and scored two goals.
"From there on my confidence grew. My motivation [grew]. I ended up taking a starting role. And from there I think that is what changed it for me."
Bedoya and the rest of the U.S. squad are taking part in a training camp in Princeton, N.J., preparing for a friendly against the Czech Republic on Tuesday. The midfielder likely only has one more game to impress Bradley before the coach trims his squad down to 23.
Bedoya knows if he earns a ticket to South Africa, he has his trainer to thank.
"I think that that went a long way for me," he said of his summer decision. "I felt a lot stronger. I felt a lot fitter. And I feel like as soon as I got there, some guys they went on vacation and stuff, and right when we got going I could see the difference in myself."
Visit the U.S. national team page on Goal.com for more and join Goal.com USA's Facebook fan page!
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