The Philadelphia Union has announced today that they reached an agreement with goalkeeper Joe Bendik on a one-year contract through 2021. Bendik first joined the club from Columbus Crew SC in exchange for a natural 2020 MLS SuperDraft second-round selection in July 2019. 

Here is a statement from Union Sporting Director Ernst Tanner on the move:

“We are excited to welcome back Joe for the 2021 season, 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.”

Last season Bendik appeared twice, making one start after Andre Blake went down with injury. Bendik has played in 178 regular season matches over his MLS career. It started in 2012 with the Portland Timbers. Bendik them moved on to play with Toronto FC, Orlando City SC and Columbus Crew SC. 2017 was arguably the best year of Bendik’s career as recorded seven clean sheets and also achieved a personal high of 118 saves that year. If Andre Blake does go down with injury again, the Union have their backup goalie spot secured for another year with Joe Bendik.

Mandatory Credit: Philadelphia Union