Philadelphia Union Sign Former Charlotte FC Midfielder Ben Bender Through 2025
Former Union Academy Player and 2022 MLS SuperDraft No. 1 Pick Returns to Philadelphia After Three-Year Stint in Charlotte
Chester — The Philadelphia Union have announced that they have signed former Charlotte FC midfielder Ben Bender to a contract through 2025.
He appeared in 61 games (36 starts) across all competitions for Charlotte, scoring eight goals and providing eight assists in 3,222 minutes.
Bender, 24, was the first overall draft pick in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft. He was in the Union's academy system for the 2015-2016 season.
“We’ve been following Ben’s development since he joined the Union Academy in 2015 and have watched him become a highly productive young player,” said Ernst Tanner, Philadelphia Union Sporting Director. “He had a standout inaugural professional season and has the ability to be a great finisher. He adds a goal-scoring threat to our midfield, and we look forward to seeing his contributions.”
Charlotte waived Bender on April 25, 2025, due to the need to free up space on their senior roster after acquiring defender Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty on loan from CF Montréal.
“Ben has been with us since our inaugural season, and we’re thankful for all his contributions to the Club over the past four years,” said Charlotte FC General Manager Zoran Krneta. “His playing time has decreased over the past two seasons, and he found it difficult to break into the team. Consistent minutes are crucial to development as a young player, so we believe this move is in the best interest of both parties. With our current roster construction, including the addition of Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty to strengthen our backline following injuries to two of our fullbacks, we needed to free up space on our senior roster which led us to make this difficult decision.”
Bender spent a lengthy period out due to a knee injury he sustained against the Union on September 20, 2023. He underwent surgery on October 24, 2023, to repair a meniscus tear and didn't return to action until May 15, 2024, when he featured for MLS Next Pro side Crown Legacy.
On September 6, 2024, Charlotte loaned Bender to USL Championship side Tampa Bay Rowdies for the remainder of the season.
He appeared in nine games (six starts), providing one assist in 477 minutes.
Bender was also a standout at the University of Maryland for two seasons, scoring nine goals and providing five assists in 29 games. In 2021, he was a First Team All-American and the unanimous Big Ten Midfielder of the Year.
