10%

BEN BENDER'S BEST MOMENTS OF THE 2022 SEASON

MLS 22 UNDER 22 | presented by BodyArmour

By Charlotte FC

September 20^th, 2022

“Alcivar. He’s got space, he’s in the clear. He has help from Bender! ALCIVAR... TO BENDER! BENDER FIRST TIMES IT AND IT’S IN THE UPPER V!!”

These were Charlotte FC announcer Erick Krakauer's words when witnessing Ben Bender’s first goal for the Club in front of the fans at Bank of America Stadium. It was this moment, followed by the now iconic corner flag kick celebration, that propelled Bender to local superstardom.

BEN BENDER'S BEST MOMENTS OF THE 2022 SEASON

However, the first-round SuperDraft pick hasn’t only been recognized locally...

He earned national plaudit by earning a spot in the 2022 MLS 22 Under 22 list that highlights the best young players around the league.

Despite the sizable quality gap between the college level and Major League Soccer, Bender has found ways to contribute to the team in his first-ever season as a professional. Like in college, the Baltimore native has thrived on the offensive side of the game scoring 3 goals and assisting 6 others with more potentially in store.

Even though his playing minutes have dwindled at the tail end of the season, Bender is ranked number one on the team in Shot Creating Actions and Key Passes (and is in the 90th percentile of key passes per 90 minutes of all MLS midfielders). A testament to his offensive prowess. More specifically, excelling at finding the right spaces to be in and the right passes to make in and around the penalty area.

Related Article: Off The Pitch: Ben Bender

He’s willingness to take risks and his hurricane-like energy has made him a fan favorite. Bender has rewarded those fans with many moments to cheer for but five particularly stand out.

Assisting the Club’s First-Ever Goal

In the first meeting between Charlotte FC and Atlanta United, the Crown were down a goal coming into the 66th minute. Charlotte were awarded a corner kick and it was Bender who would take it. He hit a precise out swinging ball that landed favorably for Adam Armour to head in the Club’s first ever-goal in MLS.

FIRST GOAL IN CLUB’S FIRST-EVER WIN

Bender was involved in another first for the Club when a brilliant Charlotte counterattack was finished off with near-post shot from Bender that sealed the team’s first-ever MLS victory in a 3 – 1 win over the New England Revolution. It was also the debut of Bender’s signature corner flag kicking celebration in MLS.

Long Range Banger Versus Red Bull

It was the last minute of the half against the New York Red Bulls on a muggy Carolina summer day, Bender picks out a pass in midair intended for his other teammate with an exquisite touch 25-yards-out from the opponent's goal. He has nothing else on his mind but to drive towards the goal and let it rip. With the help of a fortunate deflection, it flies into the back of the net, the crowd goes wild, and another corner flag becomes a victim.

GOAL AGAINST THE CONCACAF CHAMPIONS

It was an away match in Seattle as Charlotte faced off against the recently crowned winners of CONCACAF Champions League. Bender had a productive game despite the final result and helped CLTFC take the lead in typical Bender fashion – by being in the right place at the right time.

SUPER SUBSTITUTE

Charlotte FC were up 2 – 1 against Nashville SC at home but the match was far from being over. Bender came into the game in the 80th minute to help secure the win and that he did. He assisted two back-to-back goals in the 89th and 91st minutes to give Charlotte one of their biggest wins of the season.

Incredibly deserving of the honors. Ben Bender. MLS 22 Under 22.

Footnotes

Photos by Taylor Banner, Alana McCallion, Elizabeth Otten, Krista Jasso, Laura Wolff, Caean Couto, & Bryce France. Graphics by Taylor Banner & Ryland Tunney. Video by Ian Kunsey & Brittany Alvarado. Social Media by Emily Tuckwood, Shelby Beckler, & Eric Hansen. Story by Caleb Adams. Edited by Anna Magee.

Button Label

FootNotes

Story Told With

Start publishing stories like this