The MLS SuperDraft No.1 pick made an instant impact with a goal in Charlotte FC’s first-ever senior match
CHARLOTTE—If Ben Bender’s career trajectory continues at its current rate, the corner flags at Bank of America Stadium are in great danger.
The 20-year-old midfielder, selected first in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft, celebrates every goal he scores by performing some ninja-style acrobatics in the corner of the field .
“After the first goal I scored last season for the Maryland Terrapins, I went to the corner flag and kicked it,” chuckles Bender during a break at Charlotte FC’s inaugural training camp. “It was just instinct, and now I do it every time!”
Bender, who finished his sophomore season at the University of Maryland with seven goals and five assists in 18 appearances, enshrined his role in Charlotte FC history by scoring in the first-ever senior team game. However, on that occasion, he kept his signature Jean-Claude Van Damme moves under wraps.
“Since it was preseason and we were dominating the game, I felt it would have been a bit obnoxious to do that after scoring!
“But hopefully I’ll get to destroy some corner flags in some real games.”
The Maryland native grew up playing the beautiful game with his older brothers Josh and Jacob, the latter of whom played for the Charlotte Independence during the 2017 season. After progressing through rec league teams coached by his father, Bender joined the Philadelphia Union Academy program at age 14, before returning closer to home with the Baltimore Armour.
“The seasons I spent with the Baltimore Armour are some of the most fun I’ve ever had playing soccer, and it was there that I was recruited by Maryland,” says Bender. “My two seasons with Maryland were awesome, and it gave me the opportunity to further my dream of playing professionally.”
Before the fateful SuperDraft where his ascension to the professional level was realized—and before being awarded a prestigious Generation adidas contract—Bender was aware that he was on the radar of MLS’ newest team.
“There was a game against Northwestern where I played as a box-to-box No.8 and I played really well,” says Bender. “After the game, one of my teammates told me Charlotte FC’s scouts were at the game and that they were interested in me.
“I was told I might get my chance if I keep performing well.”
As the SuperDraft approached, Bender was contacted by coach Miguel Ángel Ramírez, who confirmed the club’s interest.
“I felt so blessed to be the No.1 pick in the SuperDraft,” says Bender. “It’s amazing how it all worked out and it’s been an incredible experience so far.”
Bender, a first-team all-American and the Big Ten midfielder of the year in his college sophomore season, describes himself as a creative midfielder, who is keen to be on the ball.
“I’m someone who tries to think outside the box and find really good spaces to put my teammates into play,” says Bender.
“I offer creativity in the final third, and my best attributes are my vision, and ability to link play from the back line to the front.”
