Orlando City SC have moved to strengthen their goalkeeping department after the Lions completed a trade for Toronto FC goalkeeper Joe Bendik in return for a conditional fourth-round draft pick in the 2017 edition of the MLS SuperDraft.
Arriving to compete with Earl Edwards Jr, the 26-year-old Marietta, Georgia native made 73 league appearances for the Canadian side between 2013 and 2015 while turning out for the Portland Timbers before that.
Used to being a regular starter for the BMO field-based side prior to Chris Konopka receiving increased game time this year, Bendik will be arriving full of belief that he will be the starter to fill Tally Hall’s shoes although as we all know, City have high hopes for Edwards Jr.
Bendik is the third new addition for the Lions this off-season after Mason Stajduhar joined in the homegrown ranks while Kevin Alston arrived after the conclusion of his spell at New England Revolution.
Speaking of his signature, Lions head coach Adrian Heath noted: “Joe is a proven goalkeeper who has significant amount of experience within the league.
Bendik’s arrival will now almost certainly mean that Orlando City’s interest in young Benfica B goalkeeper Thierry Graça is surely with the intention of the 20-year-old joining Anthony Pulis’ Orlando City B.