Joe Bendik named to Gregg Berhalter’s technical staff in Chicago

Former Philadelphia Union goalkeeper Joe Bendik is beginning his post-playing career on the technical staff of Chicago Fire head coach Gregg Berhalter.

Bendik, who retired after playing his final season with Vancouver Whitecaps, was named assistant goalkeeper coach on Berhalter’s staff. He’ll work directly under goalkeeping coach Zach Thornton. He holds a USSF “C” License and is currently in the process of acquiring a USSF “B” License.

Bendik played for the Columbus Crew a season after Berhalter left to take the head job with the U.S. Men’s National Team. Bendik played 13 seasons in MLS after starting his career in Norway.  He made 14 appearances for the Philadelphia Union over five seasons (all competitions) and one appearance for Philadelphia Union II.

Tom Heinemann, who had two stints in Harrisburg with the City Islanders and Penn FC during his playing career, was also named to Berhalter’s staff.

Bendik joins former Union teammate Aurelien Collin, an assistant coach on Ben Olsen’s staff with the Houston Dynamo, as former Union players currently serving as assistant coaches in MLS.