Philadelphia Union Re-Sign Goalkeeper Joe Bendik
Veteran goalkeeper signs new contract ahead of 2021 season
CHESTER, Pa. (March 5, 2021) – Philadelphia Union announced today that the club has reached an agreement on a new contract with free agent and MLS veteran goalkeeper Joe Bendik. The Union acquired Bendik from Columbus Crew SC in exchange for a natural 2020 MLS SuperDraft second-round selection in July 2019. After picking up his option ahead of what would become a historic 2020 campaign for the Union, the parties have come to an agreement for a one-year contract ahead of the 2021 season.
“We are excited to welcome back Joe for the 2021 season,” said Union Sporting Director Ernst Tanner. “He works extremely hard on the field, and off the field he takes the time to mentor and work with his younger teammates. He has more than eight years of professional experience in this league and his veteran presence has proven helpful not only to our other goalkeepers, but to the team success as a whole.”
During the 2020 season, Bendik appeared twice, making one start, on the team’s historic run to their first ever Supporters’ Shield. Bendik has appeared in 178 regular season matches (174 starts) over his MLS career, which began in 2012 with Portland. The goalkeeper also made significant contributions with Toronto FC, Orlando City SC and Columbus Crew SC. He achieved a career-best seven clean sheets with Orlando in 2017, also making a single-season personal high of 118 saves that year.
Prior to MLS, Bendik started his professional career in Norway, playing two years for Sogndal. He played collegiately at Clemson University.
TRANSACTION: Philadelphia Union re-signs goalkeeper Joe Bendik to a one-year contract on March 5, 2021.
Name: Joe Bendik
Position: Goalkeeper
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 210
Born: April 25, 1989
Birthplace: Northport, NY
Hometown: Marietta, GA
