CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte Independence announced on Wednesday the signing of midfielder Jacob Bender, pending league and federation approval. Last December, the Messiah College standout was named NCAA Division III National Player of the Year.

“The last four weeks have been long, but I feel like I’m making a good decision signing with the Independence,” said Bender. “I feel like I’ve already been a part of the team for the last week or so.”

Last season with Messiah, Bender scored 13 goals, including five game-winners, and notched eight assists for the Falcons. In his four-year collegiate career, Bender tallied 21 goals and 15 assists, making 60 starts in 86 appearances. In addition to his Division III National Player of the Year award, Bender was named First Team All-Mid-Atlantic Region and First Team All-America.

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“Jacob has been a pleasant surprise every week in preseason,” said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. “Obviously, someone from his situation, it's a long stretch to come from a Division III program and be a guy that ends up contributing, but we see it as a possibility.”

Bender has garnered attention from the Independence coaching staff, scoring the lone goal in the second half for Charlotte during their fourth preseason game against Major League Soccer’s Atlanta United FC.