The Philadelphia Union have signed goalkeeper Joe Bendik to a one-year contract extension through the 2023 Major League Soccer season.
The player was out of contract with the Eastern Conference team following the 2022 campaign.
“Joe is integral to our goalkeeper unit, which was the best in the league last season,” Union sporting director Ernst Tanner said in a release.
“His hard work, professionalism, and the way he connects with both veterans and young players is beneficial to the entire team. We’re happy to have come to an agreement and welcome him back as a mentor and leader in our locker room.”
Bendik kicked off his professional career in Norway, before making the move to Major League Soccer in 2012. He’s managed 22 clean sheets in 181 regular-season appearances across stints with the Portland Timbers, Toronto FC, Orlando City SC and the Columbus Crew.
The player has only recorded five games with Philadelphia, serving instead as a backup to Jamaican international and three-time MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Andre Blake.
The Union are coming off their best campaign yet, concluding the regular season in first place on the Eastern Conference table before falling in the MLS Cup against LAFC.
The 2023 MLS season kicks off on February 25.