Former BC player Bedoya named to US World Cup roster

During most of the World Cup qualifying campaign, it was assumed a player from Boston College would be on the US roster if the team made it to South Africa 2010.

Instead of Charlie Davies, who is recovering from an October auto accident, the former Eagle named to the preliminary 30-man roster Tuesday was Alejandro Bedoya, a midfielder who is playing for Orebro in Sweden.

“It’s massive – to think he’s been a pro for 15 months and he’s selected,” BC coach Ed Kelly said of Bedoya. “To be honest, to think he’s with guys who are playing in the Premiership, he’s not there, yet. But this is a testimony to his dedication and work rate, he’s such a hard worker. Going to Sweden is not for everybody, but he gets to play before crowds and there are rivalries that motivate you – it also helped Charlie a lot.”

Davies, who is with Sochaux in France, started his pro career with Hammarby in Sweden.

“It’s sad about Charlie but I sent him (a message) to look at the positive things, this will keep him going, it kept him going through the darkest days,” Kelly said. “It’s sad but it’s reality. He’s alive and that’s all I’m concerned about. He will have his day. Charlie is a resourceful human being and he will do great things. He needed another few months and he just ran out of time. He’s resourceful and he has an inner strength that people don’t know, but he’s not ready, physically.

“He will survive and be the country’s best forward, no question in my mind.”

As for Bedoya: “His versatility – he can play a number of positions, up front, wide, he can play fullback in a pinch,” Kelly said. “Where’s the next one, Brazil (in 2014)? Maybe they will both be on the team for that one.”