Major League Soccer expansion club Charlotte FC has selected Maryland midfielder Ben Bender as the top draft pick in the MLS SuperDraft on Tuesday.
– ESPN+ viewers’ guide: LaLiga, Bundesliga, MLS, FA Cup, more
– Futbol Americas on ESPN+: MLS, Liga MX, USMNT, El Tri
– Stream ESPN FC Daily on ESPN+ (U.S. only)
An All-Big Ten selection in his first two campaigns, Bender was the unanimous Big Ten Midfielder of the Year in 2021 for the Terrapins. As a two-way midfield presence, Bender will provide depth for a Charlotte side that also boasts Spanish playmaker Sergio Ruiz among its attacking options.
Charlotte will begin play as the 28th club in MLS in the upcoming 2022 season, with the North Carolina club’s inaugural match on Feb. 26 at D.C. United before hosting the LA Galaxy in its home opener on March 5.