Orlando City goalkeeper Joseph Bendik proved to be a thorn in NYC FC’s side Sunday. (Joseph Maiorana/USA Today Sports)

Orlando City SC goalkeeper Joseph Bendik, who made seven saves in the club’s 1-0 season opening win over New York City FC Sunday, was named the first winner of the FrontRowsoccer.com player of the week Monday.

The Huntington, N.Y. native denied and frustrated the Blues on several occasions at the opening of Orlando City Stadium.

His most memorable stop probably came in the 53rd minute, when Bendik dove to his right to deny a close-range shot by Jack Harrison, who was left holding his head in his hands in disbelief.

NYC FC head coach Patrick Vieira called Bendik “the man of the match.”

Players from the area’s professional teams are eligible for player of the week honors, as are players who were born in the tri-state area but are performing elsewhere. Players who accomplish extraordinary feats at the youth and amateur levels will be considered when appropriate.

FrontRowSoccer.com player of the week winners

Week 1 (March 6) — Joseph Bendik (Orlando City SC)

Front Row Soccer editor Michael Lewis has covered 13 World Cups (eight men, five women), seven Olympics and 25 MLS Cups. He has written about New York City FC, New York Cosmos, the New York Red Bulls and both U.S. national teams for Newsday and has penned a soccer history column for the Guardian.com. Lewis, who has been honored by the Press Club of Long Island and National Soccer Coaches Association of America, is the former editor of BigAppleSoccer.com. He has written seven books about the beautiful game and has published ALIVE AND KICKING The incredible but true story of the Rochester Lancers. It is available at Amazon.com.