David Bingham Bio
David Matthew Bingham is an American professional soccer player who plays as a goalkeeper for Major League Soccer club Charlotte FC. Born in Castro Valley, California, Bingham built his career across several MLS clubs after entering the league through the 2011 MLS SuperDraft. He has also represented the United States men’s national team, earning his first cap in 2016.
Standing at 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m), Bingham has spent more than a decade in professional soccer, working his way from a Generation Adidas prospect to a respected starting goalkeeper. His career path has included stints with the San Jose Earthquakes, LA Galaxy, and Portland Timbers, along with a brief loan in Norway.
Early Life and Background
David Matthew Bingham was born on October 19, 1989, in Castro Valley, California, to his parents Greg and Lisa Bingham. Growing up in the East Bay, he developed an early love for the game and the local San Jose Earthquakes, the club he would one day join professionally. His sister, Kimberly Bingham, also became a goalkeeper, playing at Arizona State University and later for the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team.
Bingham played his youth soccer with Mustang United, a club based in Danville, California. In 2007, his team advanced to the Super-Y League National Championships, and he was selected for the Super-Y national team in both 2006 and 2007. During his senior year in high school, he recorded 13 shutouts and a 0.60 goals against average, earning spots on the Bay Area All-Area team and the All Tri-Valley first team.
Path to Soccer
After high school, Bingham joined the University of California, Berkeley, where he played for the California Golden Bears from 2008 to 2010. In his freshman year, he served mostly as a backup to goalkeeper Stefan Frei, but he grew into a starting role over the next two seasons. In 2009, he earned All-Pac-10 second team honors and posted a 0.95 goals against average.
In his junior year, Bingham led the Golden Bears to the quarterfinals of the 2010 NCAA Tournament, where they fell in a penalty shootout to the eventual champion Akron Zips. His college performances helped him earn a Generation Adidas contract with Major League Soccer, a pathway reserved for top young prospects. He briefly played for NorCal Lamorinda United SC in 2009 before being drafted.
David Bingham Career
Early Career (2011-2014)
Bingham signed a Generation Adidas contract with Major League Soccer following the 2011 MLS SuperDraft. Because he signed after the draft, he was assigned to an MLS club through a weighted lottery, and on January 26, 2011, he was awarded to the San Jose Earthquakes, the team he had supported as a boy. He made an early impression in 2011 by scoring a goal on a 90-yard clearance from his own penalty box against West Bromwich Albion in a preseason exhibition at Buck Shaw Stadium.
During his first years with the Earthquakes, Bingham spent time on loan with the San Antonio Scorpions and later with Norwegian club Strømmen IF in 2014. These stints allowed him to gain senior experience before returning to compete for a starting role in MLS.
San Jose Earthquakes Breakthrough (2015-2017)
Bingham emerged as a starter for the San Jose Earthquakes during the 2015 season and quickly established himself as one of the club’s most important players. His shot-stopping ability and command of the penalty area helped anchor the team’s defense through the middle of the decade.
He spent seven seasons total with the Earthquakes, growing from a promising rookie into a first-choice goalkeeper. On December 18, 2017, Bingham was traded to the LA Galaxy, ending a long association with the Bay Area club.
LA Galaxy Era (2018-2020)
Bingham joined the LA Galaxy in December 2017 and immediately stepped into a starting role. Wearing one of the most recognizable jerseys in American soccer, he featured for the Galaxy across three Major League Soccer seasons from 2018 through 2020.
His time in Los Angeles cemented his reputation as a steady and athletic goalkeeper. After the 2020 season, Bingham became a free agent and spent the 2021 campaign without a club before finding his next opportunity.
Portland Timbers Era (2022-2023)
On January 13, 2022, after a year away from competitive soccer, Bingham signed a two-year deal with the Portland Timbers. He returned to MLS action in the Pacific Northwest, where he provided veteran experience in goal.
Bingham played two seasons in Portland, contributing to a club known for its passionate fan base and competitive rosters. He remained with the Timbers through 2023 before entering free agency once again.
Charlotte FC Era (2024-Present)
On January 30, 2024, Bingham signed as a free agent with Charlotte FC, becoming part of the club’s continued build toward competitiveness in Major League Soccer’s Eastern Conference. He joined a young team looking to add experienced leadership between the posts.
Wearing the goalkeeper jersey for Charlotte, Bingham has brought more than a decade of professional experience to the squad. His presence has helped stabilize the back line and provide a calming influence on a developing roster.
David Bingham International Career
David Bingham made his debut with the United States men’s national team on February 5, 2016, against Canada. He played the full match and kept a clean sheet in a 1-0 victory, marking a strong start to his international career.
He continued to represent the United States in 2016 and 2017, earning a place among the goalkeepers called up by the national team program during that cycle.
David Bingham Family
Family Background and Soccer Lineage
Bingham was raised by his parents, Greg and Lisa Bingham, in Castro Valley, California. Soccer runs in the family: his sister, Kimberly Bingham, played goalkeeper at Arizona State University and later represented the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team, mirroring her brother’s position and path.
Personal Life
Outside of professional soccer, Bingham has stayed connected to the Bay Area roots that shaped his early career. His family remains a central part of his story, with both parents and his sister playing supportive roles in his journey through the sport.
2025 Season Performance
As the 2025 Major League Soccer season unfolds, Bingham continues his role as goalkeeper for Charlotte FC. He entered the year as one of the senior figures in the locker room, offering guidance to younger defenders and helping the team pursue a stronger Eastern Conference finish.
Bingham’s contract signed in January 2024 runs into 2025, giving Charlotte stability in goal for a second consecutive season. His shot-stopping and communication in the penalty area remain central to the team’s defensive plans.
Looking ahead, the 2025 campaign represents an opportunity for Bingham to extend his career total in MLS and continue mentoring Charlotte’s emerging core. With his wealth of experience from San Jose, Los Angeles, and Portland, he remains a trusted presence for his club.