Orlando City B signs U.S. youth national team midfielder and Orlando City Development Academy product Jordan Bender. Bender marks the first OCB signing for the inaugural USL League One season set to begin play in 2019.
“This is a really exciting moment for us,” OCB general manager Mike Potempa said. “Our first movement shows that we strongly believe in our Development Academy as Jordan is a player with tremendous ability and we are extremely pleased to have him on board as we build the roster for the upcoming season.”
Bender, 17, has played for the Orlando City Development Academy since he was 14, when he started with the U-13/14s. Bender played 26 games for the U-15/16s the following year, scoring five goals. When he was 16, Bender scored six goals in 28 games for the U-18/19s. He has two goals in six games with the U-18/19s this season.
The Lake Mary, Fla., native earned his first U.S. U-16 national team call-up in February 2017. While with OCB, Bender will continue his education at Montverde Academy, which has housed the Orlando City DA since January.
TRANSACTION: Orlando City B signs midfielder Jordan Bender.
Name: Jordan Bender
Height: 5’9”
Weight: 150 lbs
Birth Date: July 9, 2001
Birthplace: Lake Mary, Fla.
Citizenship: USA
