Sasho Cirovski, coach of the Maryland men’s soccer program, has been developing pro players for more than two decades, yet quite some time had passed since a Terrapin had been selected No. 1 in the MLS draft.
In both NCAA seasons, Bender was the Big Ten midfielder of the year and first-team all-American. In 2021, he posted seven goals and five assists in 18 matches.
During the season, Bender said, he heard Charlotte was interested in choosing him, but he added that as the year wore on, the team’s focus seemed to turn.
When the college season ended, he was torn about turning pro.