Charlotte FC waives former first overall pick Ben Bender

Charlotte FC waived former first-overall pick Ben Bender, the team announced Friday. Bender made 61 appearances with the club, scoring eight goals and adding eight assists during his tenure with the club.

Bender, a former Maryland midfielder and Generation Adidas athlete, struggled with playing time since arriving in Queen City. Bender spent the 2024-25 season on loan for USL side Tampa Bay Rowdies before being waived.

“His playing time has decreased over the past two seasons, and he found it difficult to break into the team,” Charlotte general manager Zoran Krneta wrote in a statement.

“Consistent minutes are crucial to development as a young player, so we believe this move is in the best interest of both parties.”

Krneta said Bender was partially released because of injuries to fullbacks Nathan Byrne and Souleyman Doumbia. Charlotte added Montreal fullback Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty to their roster, but the Canadian international couldn’t join the team for their 1-0 loss to the New England Revolution

Boasting three wins out of their last four games, Charlotte figures to be a title contender as the season progresses.