BENJAMIN BENDER NEWS

Available off bench Saturday Bender (calf) is on the bench for Saturday's meeting with D.C. United.

Impact Bender could provide a boost to his side's offensive power on the left flank behind Saturday's starter Indiana Vassilev. However, Bender may not play a big role yet after almost three months out. He has yet to make the score sheet in the current MLS campaign, registering five shots (none on goal) and 15 crosses (six accurate) during 313 minutes on the pitch.

SEPTEMBER 27 • ROTOWIRE

Dealt questionable tag Bender (calf) is questionable for Saturday's match against Colorado, according to the MLS injury report.

Impact Bender missed the club's last match and it now is known why, as the midfielder is suffering from calf issues. He will now likely be tested ahead of the match after being listed as questionable, making him a last minute call. He has gone unused in two of his past three appearances on the team sheet and will probably end up on the bench if fit.

JULY 25 • ROTOWIRE

Six crosses, no chances created Bender had six crosses (three accurate) but created zero chances in Philadelphia's 0-0 draw Saturday against FC Dallas.

Impact Bender is still getting acclimated to his new club, but he was trusted to help find a winning goal in this match with a full 90-minute effort. He should keep getting playing time and will likely have more success against his former club Charlotte, which has allowed 27 goasl in 17 MLS matches.

JUNE 1 • ROTOWIRE

Joining Philadelphia Bender has signed with Philadelphia on Friday after being waived by Charlotte in late April.

Impact A former Union academy player who was also the first overall pick in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft, Bender returns to Philadelphia after spending the early years of his MLS tenure with Charlotte. Bender went on to make 51 MLS appearances for Charlotte, recording seven goals and one assist. He also spent time on loan with Crown Legacy FC in 2023 and the Tampa Bay Rowdies in 2024.

MAY 9 • ROTOWIRE

Nets late consolation goal Bender scored a goal while taking two shots (both on goal) during Wednesday's 3-1 loss to New York Red Bulls.

Impact Bender entered the match in the 75th minute and scored Charlotte's lone goal in the 96th. The goal was the first of the season for Bender who also made his season debut following recover from a knee injury in the match.

MAY 30, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Looking for season debut Bender (knee) is on the bench for Saturday's clash with the Union.

Impact Bender will aim to make his season debut Saturday after missing the last eight months with a knee injury. He is set to be on minutes watch until the midfielder is back to full match form in MLS play.

MAY 25, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Could play Saturday Bender (knee) is in training and could be an option for Saturday's match against Philadelphia, manager Dean Smith told media Thursday.

Impact Bender has been playing with the Crown Legacy in recent days, meaning his return to action in an MLS game is imminent. All signs point to him being available, even if it's off the bench, against the Union on Saturday.

MAY 23, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Plays with Crown Legacy Bender (knee) has been able to get minutes with Crown Legacy in the MLS Next Pro, while scoring against Chattanooga Wednesday, per the Top Bin 90.

Impact Bender will start with the reserves team with Crown Legacy before returning to MLS play, already scoring in his first match back on the pitch in seven months. The midfielder will see more time in the MLS Next Pro league until he is at 100 percent to make the jump back to the first team.

MAY 16, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Nearing return Bender (knee) returned to training with Crown Legacy FC Monday, Will Palaszczuk of WFNZ reports.

Impact Bender hasn't played any matches since suffering the knee injury in the back half of 2023. The midfielder will make his return with the MLS next side in the coming weeks. He won't be available for the first team until the end of May if he can avoid any issues with the MLS next side.

MAY 13, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Keeps up training Bender (knee) continues to train with the group ahead of Saturday's match against Nashville, per Will Palasczuk of WFNZ.

Impact Bender is still training with the group as he inches closer to making his season debut. As long as there aren't any setbacks, the midfielder will look to return before the end of the month. Once he does, he is expected to be on minutes watch until he is back to full form.

MAY 8, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Trains Wednesday Bender (knee) was back with the main group in training Wednesday ahead of Saturday's match against Portland, per Will Palaszczuk of WFNZ.

Impact Bender is very close to making his season debut after missing the first 10 matches with a knee injury. His injury dates back to September, as he continues to work up to fitness after being away from the pitch for the last seven months, If all goes well in training, the midfielder could get the call to squad this month, at minimum.

MAY 1, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Yet to return to training Bender (quadriceps) hasn't returned to training and has no timetable for his return, according to TopBin90.

Impact Bender was expected to see action with the Crown Legacy before the end of the month, but it seems the midfielder is a bit behind in his rehab schedule. As things stand now, there's no clear timetable for his return, but he is expected to miss at least the next two or three MLS matches at a bare minimum.

APRIL 25, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Not ready to return yet Bender (knee) is dealing with a quadriceps injury and is not ready to return to action yet, but he could see minutes with the Crown Legacy before the end of the month, Carroll R. W...

Impact Bender has been progressing from his knee injury, but the playmaker is not ready to feature at the MLS level yet. His involvement with the Crown Legacy will be pivotal to determining when he might be ready to return in an MLS contest, though a return in early May seems like a realistic expectation for him.

APRIL 19, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Training with team Bender (knee) was back in team training Thursday, per Will Palaszczuk.

Impact Bender continues his progression through training, as he is now back with the group Thursday. This leaves the midfielder possibly set for a return this week against Minnesota on Sunday, although he will most likely have to pass a fitness test to be available.

APRIL 18, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Progressing well in training Bender (knee) is "progressing well" in drills but remains a few weeks away from returning to full training, Will Palaszczuk of WFNZ reports.

Impact Bender has been progressing steadily in training, but the central midfielder won't play against New England, and he's a few weeks away from being an option to make the matchday squad. A realistic target date for the central midfielder could be around the end of April.

APRIL 4, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Trains away from team Bender (knee) is training away from the team following surgery back in January, per the Top Bin 90.

Impact Bender is making good progress in his return to the pitch as he works alone with the ball on the grass. He is still about a month away from making his season debut, with Brecht Dejaegere taking over the attacking midfielder role in his absence.

MARCH 7, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Will miss first 4-5 weeks of season Bender (knee) is expected to miss the first 4-5 weeks of the season since undergoing knee surgery back on October, said manager Dean Smith per Carroll Walton of CLT Ledger. "Certa...

Impact Bender was lucky enough to not have torn his ACL, however he does still need time to recover from knee surgery and is not expected to return to the pitch until April. He was expected to be in the mix for a starting role in the midfield for Charlotte, starting 11 of the 17 matches played in 2023. Looks to be that Ashley Westwood, Brecht Dejaefere and Karol Swiderski are the expected starter in the midfield to open up the campaign for the team.

JANUARY 25, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Season done Bender underwent knee surgery and will miss the MLS Cup playoffs, manager Christian Lattanzio told reporters.

Impact Bender tried to come back from the injury for the playoffs but just wasn't able to do so and now has undergone knee surgery. It was clarified that his ACL is intact so Bender has a chance to get back fit and available for opening day 2024.

OCTOBER 24, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Set for few more weeks sidelined Bender (knee) is still being monitored as it could be another few weeks until he is ready to return, per Wil Palaszczuk of WFNZ.

Impact Bender's season is in jeopardy as he is still a few more weeks away from returning. With only two matches left in the regular season, it will be a stretch to see the midfielder back before then, while Charlotte continues to fight for a playoff spot.

OCTOBER 5, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Out against Toronto Bender (knee) will not be an option for Wednesday's match against Toronto, according to manager Christian Lattanzio per Will Palaszczuk of WFZN.

Impact Bender continues to sit out as he continues to deal with a knee injury. Brecht Dejaegere will continue to get the call to start in the midfield during his absence.

OCTOBER 3, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Sidelined for Saturday Bender (knee) will not be an option for Saturday's match against New England.

Impact There was no surprise that Bender has been ruled out after not training yet following his knee injury. Either Brecht Dejaegere or Kamil Jozwiak are expected to get the start at right win against New England on Saturday in his absence.

SEPTEMBER 28, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Still not training Bender (knee) was not in training Wednesday, per Will Palaszczuk of WFNZ.

Impact Bender was not in training Wednesday as his status for Saturday continues to remain unclear. Kamil Jozwiak is still expected to get the start against New England in any case.

SEPTEMBER 27, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Questionable against Cincinnati Bender (knee) is questionable for Saturday's trip to Cincinnati, according to the Charlotte injury report.

Impact Bender is questionable Saturday after picking up a knee injury against Philadelphia during a mid-week clash. The midfielder has started five matches in a row on the right wing but could be replaced by Kamil Jozwiak if he's unable to pass a late fitness test.

SEPTEMBER 22, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Picks up injury against Philadelphia Bender (knee) exited Wednesday's match against Philadelphia with an apparent knee injury.

Impact Bender was substituted off in the 77th minute of Wednesday's draw due to what appears to be a knee injury. The midfielder has missed numerous small amounts of time this season with injuries and might be set for another after picking up the knock on Wednesday. He is set to get an MRI on Thursday and will hope to have everything come back negative. If the injury is long-term, it shouldn't be too big of a loss for Charlotte, as he has played more of a rotational role this season.

SEPTEMBER 21, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Registers four crosses Bender notched two shots, four crosses and two tackles in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Nashville.

Impact Bender had a pretty quiet day on Saturday, only notching two shots, four crosses and two tackles in 90 minutes of play. The 21-year-old has been rotated through the squad most of the season, only notching nine starts in 15 appearances this season. He will have to pick it up at the end of the season if he wants to meet his goal-contribution tally of nine from last season, only having five this season.

SEPTEMBER 7, 2023 • ROTOWIRE