Charlotte FC Drafts Three Players in 2022 MLS SuperDraft, Selecting Ben Bender First Overall

CHARLOTTE, NC (Tuesday, January 11, 2022) – Charlotte FC today drafted three players in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft presented by adidas. The Club had three total selections in the draft, including the number one overall pick announced by Jimmie Johnson, 7-time NASCAR Champion and current INDYCAR Series driver.

Charlotte FC selected: Midfielder Ben Bender (No. 1 Overall; University of Maryland), Forward Kyle Holcomb (No. 29 Overall; Wake Forest University), and Goalkeeper George Marks (No. 57 Overall; Clemson University)

Name: Ben Bender
College: University of Maryland
Bio: Bender finished his sophomore season with seven goals and five assists in 18 appearances, leading his team to a 12-4-2 overall record. The midfielder was named a United Soccer Coaches First Team All-American and the Big Ten Midfielder of the Year. He was one of eight elite collegiate underclassmen signed to a Generation adidas contract.

Position: Midfielder
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 165
Age: 20
Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland

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Name: Kyle Holcomb
College: Wake Forest University
Bio: Holcomb finished a decorated four-year career at Wake Forest tied for no. 7 in program history in career goals (33). As a senior in 2021, he was named a United Soccer Coaches Second-Team All-American and All-ACC First-Team as he led his team to an NCAA Sweet Sixteen appearance with 12 goals and four assists.

Position: Forward
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 165
Age: 21
Hometown: San Marcos, California

Name: George Marks
College: Clemson University
Bio: Marks was a three-year full-time starter for at Clemson University, leading them to the 2021 NCAA National Championship in his senior year. He recorded 47 wins, 21 shutouts, and 6,031 minutes for the Tigers, all good for 3rd all-time in program history. The Raleigh, North Carolina native attended two U-20 U.S. National Team Camps and was a member for the North Carolina FC Youth Academy.

Position: Goalkeeper
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 177
Age: 22
Hometown: Raleigh, North Carolina

Charlotte FC now has a total of 23 players on the Club’s inaugural 2022 roster:

Goalkeepers: Kristijan Kahlina, George Marks, Pablo Sisniega
Defenders: Harrison Afful, Adam Armour, Guzmán Corujo, Christian Fuchs, Jaylin Lindsey, Christian Makoun, Joseph Mora, Jan Sobociński, Anton Walkes
Midfielders: Jordy Alcívar, Ben Bender, Brandt Bronico, Alan Franco, Chris Hegardt, Riley McGree, Sergio Ruiz
Forwards: McKinze Gaines, Kyle Holcomb, Vinicius Mello, Yordy Reyna