Toronto FC announced Tuesday that the club has re-signed goalkeeper Joe Bendik to a multi-year deal. As per team and league policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“Joe had an opportunity to step-in and prove himself this season and he did so in a big way. He’s still a relatively young keeper who showed he has the ability and mentality to handle a full season of MLS play. We are excited to watch him continue to develop his skills and be a leader on our re-shaped roster next season,” said Toronto FC General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko. “We are confident that we have addressed our goalkeeper situation for the upcoming season, while adding increased roster and cap flexibility in the process.”
Bendik, 24, made 33 appearances, all starts, for the Reds this past season, finishing with a 6-16-11 record and four clean sheets. He ranked sixth in the league with 2,970 minutes played in goal and 33 starts. Both marks established new single season team-highs for MLS play.
Prior to being acquired by Toronto FC, he made five appearances and started in three games for Portland during the 2012 season. Bendik signed with the Timbers in February, 2012 after spending two seasons with Norwegian club Sogndal. Bendik played four seasons at Clemson University where he finished among the school’s career leaders in a number of statistical categories.
Joe Bendik
Position: Goalkeeper
Height: 6’3
Weight: 205 lbs.
Date of Birth: April 25, 1989
Birthplace: Marietta, Georgia
Citizenship: American
Acquired: Trade with Portland on December 12, 2012 along with Portland’s first round pick in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft and allocation money for Milos Kocic and Ryan Johnson.
2013 Bendik Save Highlights
October 5 - TFC v. Philadelphia. Bendik made a brilliant diving save on Philadelphia's Michael Farfan.
October 26 - TFC v. Montreal. Bendik comes up with a big save to keep the Impact scoreless.
April 13 - Philadelphia v. TFC. Bendik makes a monster save on Philadelphia's Jose Kléberson
March 30 - TFC v. Los Angeles. Bendik makes a tremendous stop on LA's Mike Magee.
