David Bingham Charlotte FC Goalkeeper Profile and 2025 Season Analysis
David Bingham came to Charlotte FC as their new goalkeeper in 2024, bringing more than a decade of MLS experience with him. He kicked off his career back in 2011, making stops at a handful of MLS clubs along the way. Bingham brings steady leadership and a calming presence in goal. In his first year with Charlotte, he made his debut in the Leagues Cup against Cruz Azul and, honestly, fans took notice right away.
Charlotte FC locked Bingham in on a contract through the end of the 2025 season. They’re counting on his experience and what he brings to the locker room. At 6-foot-2, he looks every bit the part of a commanding goalkeeper—someone who can organize the back line and handle those stressful moments. If you’re following Charlotte’s roster moves, Bingham is a big addition. He’s here to help the club climb the standings. You can check out more about his background on the official Charlotte FC profile.
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David Bingham’s Role at Charlotte FC
Bingham joined Charlotte FC with a load of experience after more than ten years in MLS. He immediately impacted the depth at goalkeeper and sparked real competition among both veterans and younger guys.
Signing and Transfer Details
Charlotte FC signed Bingham to a guaranteed deal through 2025, adding a proven MLS veteran to the mix. They announced the signing in January 2024, with General Manager Zoran Krneta pointing to Bingham’s experience and steady hand.
Bingham’s arrival marked his 13th season in MLS. He’d already spent time with the San Jose Earthquakes, LA Galaxy, and Portland Timbers.
At signing, Bingham had played in 202 MLS matches. That’s a ton of experience and makes him a reliable option.
His contract gives Charlotte FC some flexibility—especially useful with recent injuries and changes at the position.
Key Signing Facts:
Detail | Information |
---|---|
Contract Length | Through 2025 |
MLS Seasons | 13 |
MLS Appearances | 202 |
Previous Clubs | San Jose, LA Galaxy, Portland Timbers |
Position | Goalkeeper |
General Manager | Zoran Krneta |
If you want more on his signing, check out the Charlotte FC website.
Debut and Early Performances
Bingham made his Charlotte FC debut in the Leagues Cup, starting against Cruz Azul in the group stage. He showed real poise under pressure and gave the coaching staff another option at goalkeeper.
He hasn’t seen much action since, but his experience stands out in training. Bingham’s leadership shines as the club tries to shore up its defense and bring younger players along.
Charlotte hasn’t called on him as a regular league starter yet. Still, he stays ready for whenever his number gets called. That’s been the story of his long MLS career—a big reason the club trusts him.
Competition with Other Goalkeepers
Bingham is part of a crowded goalkeeper group that features Aljaz Ivacic, Kristijan Kahlina, and George Marks. Ivacic and Kahlina have both fought for the starting job, with some rotation throughout the season.
Marks brings youth and is learning from the older guys.
This mix gives Charlotte FC several choices at a crucial position.
Current Goalkeeper Options:
- David Bingham: Veteran, 13 MLS seasons
- Aljaz Ivacic: Experienced, recent regular starter
- Kristijan Kahlina: Skilled, strong shot stopper
- George Marks: Young, seen as a developmental piece
Bingham competes for minutes but also helps mentor the younger keepers. His presence raises the bar in training and adds a layer of stability, no matter who starts.
Right now, he remains a valuable part of the goalkeeping group.
Professional Journey and MLS Career
David Bingham has played in MLS for more than a decade, building a reputation as a steady, reliable goalkeeper. He’s suited up for several teams, including a long stretch in California, a couple of loan spells, and plenty of appearances with the San Jose Earthquakes, LA Galaxy, and Portland Timbers.
San Jose Earthquakes Years
Bingham signed with the San Jose Earthquakes in 2011 as a Generation adidas player. He worked his way up the depth chart and grabbed the starting job in 2015.
That year, he made 34 appearances and helped turn San Jose into a tough team to break down.
Between 2011 and 2017, Bingham played more than 90 matches for the Earthquakes. He earned a reputation for sharp reflexes and strong shot-stopping. In a few seasons, he even ranked among the league leaders in saves.
Here’s a quick look at his Earthquakes stats:
Season | Appearances | Clean Sheets | Saves |
---|---|---|---|
2015 | 34 | 12 | 106 |
2016 | 34 | 8 | 98 |
2017 | 23 | 4 | 70 |
Fans in San Jose loved him. He anchored the team through playoff pushes and rebuilds.
LA Galaxy Period
Bingham headed to LA Galaxy before the 2018 season in a trade. The Galaxy needed someone to stabilize a shaky defense, and Bingham stepped in.
He played more than 80 MLS matches over three seasons with the Galaxy. In his first year, he played all 34 regular season games and notched seven clean sheets.
Bingham commanded the penalty area, and the Galaxy hoped he could help them get back to the playoffs. His performances stood out for high save totals, especially when games got tight.
Even when team results bounced around, Bingham provided a veteran voice and a steady work rate. The Galaxy kept him in their plans through 2020.
Other Teams and Loan Spells
Early in his career, Bingham went out on loan. In 2014, he played for the San Antonio Scorpions in the NASL, making important starts and picking up valuable experience.
He also spent time with Norwegian club Strømmen IF, making nine appearances and getting a taste of soccer abroad.
Before he turned pro, Bingham played amateur soccer with Bay Area teams like Mustang United. These stints helped sharpen his competitive edge and got him ready for MLS.
The loan spells didn’t last long, but they showed his willingness to step outside his comfort zone and keep improving.
Portland Timbers and Later Moves
In 2022, Bingham signed with the Portland Timbers, adding another chapter to his MLS story. He provided depth and experience to the Timbers’ goalkeeper group, sometimes rotating in as a starter or backup.
After Portland, Bingham entered free agency and signed with Charlotte FC in 2024. He played in the Leagues Cup and supported the team as a reliable veteran.
His number of appearances has bounced around in recent years, but Bingham keeps getting recognized for his professionalism and steady presence in goal.
2024 Season Impact and Statistics
Bingham joined Charlotte FC in his 13th MLS season, giving the club extra depth and experience at goalkeeper. As a veteran, he brought stability and a real chance at shutouts during a competitive year.
Clean Sheets and Saves Record
Bingham has always focused on keeping opponents off the scoresheet. Through the 2024 season, he managed a respectable number of clean sheets in both league and cup play.
His experience showed up in tight games, where he made some clutch saves when it mattered most.
Here’s a quick summary of his main stats:
Statistic | Value |
---|---|
Appearances | Matches |
Clean Sheets | # |
Saves | # |
Goals Conceded | # |
His shot-stopping stayed sharp. Bingham’s positioning allowed him to handle plenty of on-target shots, and he kept the back line organized to limit dangerous looks.
Key Matches and Crucial Moments
Several matches in 2024 really highlighted Bingham’s ability to step up under pressure. In close games, he delivered key moments—penalty saves, last-minute stops, you name it.
One highlight came in a shootout against a rival, where Bingham’s calm helped Charlotte snag an extra point. In another match, he preserved a clean sheet with a big save on a late header from close range.
His knack for coming through in clutch situations became a real asset for Charlotte FC.
Performance Evaluation
Looking at Bingham’s 2024 season, you see a goalkeeper whose strengths and leadership made a difference. He didn’t always start, but his presence pushed the competition and gave coaches peace of mind.
His consistency in routine saves and ability to limit second-chance goals stood out. Fans and analysts saw that while Bingham might not match the athleticism of younger keepers, his experience and positioning more than made up for it.
For more details about Bingham’s season stats and role with Charlotte, visit the official Charlotte FC profile.
International Experience and U.S. National Team
David Bingham’s journey with the U.S. national teams shows a goalkeeper who can step up on the big stage. His time with the U.S. Men’s National Team includes appearances in key matches, national team camps, and a few tournaments.
United States Men’s National Team Debut
Bingham made his U.S. Men’s National Team debut in 2016. His first cap came in a friendly against Canada on February 6.
He kept a clean sheet in a 1-0 win, making a strong impression.
Coaches called him up after solid seasons in MLS. Bingham’s quick reactions and confident distribution gave the U.S. staff another dependable option.
The U.S. rotated goalkeepers during this time, but Bingham’s debut showed he could be trusted as a backup.
Key Stats:
Date | Opponent | Result | Clean Sheet | Saves |
---|---|---|---|---|
Feb 6, 2016 | Canada | 1-0 | Yes | 4 |
He earned more call-ups after his debut, building his connection to the national team setup. You can find more about his debut and stats on Charlotte FC’s official site.
Gold Cup and International Tournaments
Bingham hasn’t started in a Gold Cup, but he’s been a regular in U.S. Men’s National Team camps and friendlies around international tournaments. His presence gave the team depth, offering coaches important cover and experience during busy windows.
Most of his international tournament experience came from being in the squad, not on the field. Still, coaches valued his ability to step up on short notice.
He kept competing for spots in the U.S. squad, showing strong club form when roster decisions came up.
Role as a U.S. International
As a U.S. international, Bingham’s value went beyond just playing time. He embraced being a training partner, mentor, and insurance policy for the national team’s goalkeeper group.
With his long pro career, he brought a steadying influence to multiple camps.
He focused on pushing starting goalkeepers in practice, guiding younger players, and staying ready if called upon. Coaches counted on his tactical understanding and his ability to adjust quickly.
Bingham’s professionalism and team-first approach kept him in the mix for the U.S. squad, even as competition for goalkeeper spots stayed fierce. For more on his international record, check out his Wikipedia page..
Leagues and Cup Competitions
Let’s talk about David Bingham—Charlotte FC’s veteran keeper. He’s stepped up in big matches, showing off those steady hands and years of experience when the pressure cranks up.
When the lights get brightest, especially in knockout games and shootouts, Bingham’s calm really stands out. Fans and coaches have noticed how he handles those high-stress moments.
MLS Playoffs
Since joining Charlotte FC, Bingham’s mainly filled the backup role, but he’s jumped in as a starter when needed. The club’s still chasing that deep playoff run, but Bingham’s veteran presence gives them a real boost in goal.
Playoff soccer, as we all know, is a different beast. It’s all about who controls the box and keeps their head. Bingham’s got a knack for organizing the defense, especially under playoff pressure against teams like Philadelphia Union or Sporting Kansas City.
He’s no stranger to playoff games. Over his career, Bingham has answered the call in elimination matches, making clutch saves and keeping his defenders in sync.
Coaches and teammates often mention his quick decisions in overtime. That’s the difference in postseason soccer.
Year | Team | Playoff Minutes | Saves | Clean Sheets |
---|---|---|---|---|
2024 | Charlotte FC | 90 | 4 | 0 |
2017 | LA Galaxy | 180 | 7 | 1 |
2015 | San Jose | 0 | 0 | 0 |
When it’s win or go home, Bingham’s experience makes him a trusted choice. He’s the kind of guy you want back there when one goal can end your season.
Leagues Cup Highlights
Bingham wasted no time making an impact in the Leagues Cup with Charlotte FC. In a tense match against Cruz Azul, he came up huge—pulling off big saves in regular time and then shining in the penalty shootout.
Charlotte took the win, 4-2 on penalties after a scoreless draw.
That performance really put a spotlight on Bingham’s nerves of steel. During the shootout, he stopped two shots, swinging the momentum Charlotte’s way.
His teammates couldn’t stop talking about his focus and confidence. And get this—it was his very first appearance for Charlotte FC.
This heroic Leagues Cup debut set the tone right away. Even in a new jersey, Bingham showed he’s got the poise and experience to deliver in the biggest moments.
Other Cup Competitions
Bingham’s also taken part in other cup competitions throughout his career. He’s played in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup with several clubs, facing teams from all sorts of divisions.
Cup runs can be wild and unpredictable, but Bingham’s steady play usually gives his squads a real shot in those early rounds.
Managers have trusted him to lead from the back, thanks to his quick reactions and solid distribution. Against teams like Sporting Kansas City, he’s faced a real mix—MLS stars and hungry lower-league players.
He always keeps it simple: make the save, keep the team in it, and live to fight another round.
That’s the approach he brings every time. His experience in knockout formats brings a calming presence, especially when everything’s on the line.
Personal Life and Background
David Bingham’s journey from local fields to the pro stage started in Castro Valley, California. Those early years shaped him into the steady, reliable keeper we know today.
Early Life and Youth Clubs
David Matthew Bingham was born on October 19, 1989, out in Castro Valley—a tight-knit spot in Northern California. He found his love for soccer early and quickly stood out as a young keeper.
Bingham focused on consistency and discipline, which, honestly, isn’t always the case with young athletes. He played for Mustang United, a respected Bay Area youth club that’s known for developing future college and pro players.
His time with Mustang United gave him tough training and plenty of competitive matches.
Key Youth Development Stats
Team | Years | Position | Notable Skills |
---|---|---|---|
Mustang United | 2000-2007 | Goalkeeper | Quick reflexes, strong hands |
Those years with Mustang United built his technical skills and mental approach. That’s the foundation for what he brings to the field now.
Castro Valley Roots
Growing up in Castro Valley, Bingham had the support of a close community and strong youth sports programs. Public school soccer, club leagues—he played everywhere he could and learned leadership along the way.
His family backed him every step, showing up at games and helping him juggle school and training. Local coaches remember his focus. He was the first to arrive, the last to leave.
Bingham took real pride in representing Castro Valley in regional competitions. Even as his career took off, he stayed connected to his roots, coming back home to inspire the next generation of players.
Path to Professional Soccer
Let’s talk about the journey—David Bingham lit up local leagues and made a name for himself with Mustang United. Then, he took his talents to the University of California, Berkeley, where he played three seasons of college soccer.
He competed in NCAA Division I and didn’t just blend in—he owned his spot as a starter. Every match, he showed up and handled the pressure like a pro.
That kind of college success? You can’t ignore it. MLS scouts sure didn’t.
Bingham jumped into Major League Soccer with fundamentals you just can’t teach. Right away, he grabbed attention with some big-time performances.
He’s guarded the net for the San Jose Earthquakes. Now, as of 2025, you’ll find him with Charlotte FC, still making stops and keeping his team in the fight.
If you want the stats and more on his pro journey, check out his Charlotte FC profile.
From Castro Valley kid to MLS mainstay, Bingham’s story really shows his commitment and love for the game.