Story Links
COLLEGE PARK, Md. – Maryland sophomore midfielder Ben Bender has signed a Generation adidas contract with Major League Soccer, the league announced Thursday. He will now be available for selection in the MLS SuperDraft presented by adidas, which takes place Tuesday, Jan. 10.
Bender, a first-team United Soccer Coaches All-American, was a dominant force this season leading the Terps in goals (7) and assists (5). The unanimous 2021 Big Ten Midfielder of the Year, Bender was a semifinalist for the MAC Hermann Trophy and a USC All-Region selection.
“We are thrilled for Ben to have the opportunity to sign with MLS,” Maryland head coach Sasho Cirovski said. “Ben represented Maryland with class on and off the field during his time in College Park and has all the attributes necessary to succeed at the next level. He will follow in the footsteps of the great Terps that have flourished in MLS since the league’s inception.”
In his two seasons at Maryland, Bender had nine goals and five assists, starting 27 of the 29 matches he played in. He was a two-time All-Big Ten selection, earning unanimous first-team honors after receiving second-team and all-freshman honors in his first season.
Bender was Maryland’s first All-American since current D.C. United star Donovan Pines was a second-team pick in 2018. The Terps’ last first-team selections were former MLS players Alex Crognale and Gordon Wild in 2016.
The 2022 MLS SuperDraft is scheduled for Jan. 11 and will be streamed on MLSsoccer.com beginning at 2:30 p.m. Bender’s Maryland teammate Brett St. Martin is also eligible for selection in the draft. Charlotte FC holds the No. 1 overall selection.
Maryland Generation adidas Signees
Ben Bender, 2022
Dayne St. Clair, 2019
Gordon Wild, 2018
Schillo Tshuma, 2014
Zac MacMath, 2011
Omar Gonzalez, 2009
Jeremy Hall, 2009
Rodney Wallace,…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at University of Maryland Athletics…