Matthew Bentley Bio
Matthew Bentley (born 23 May 1998) is an English professional footballer who plays as a forward for USL League One club Chattanooga Red Wolves, where he wears the number 10 shirt. Born in Greater London, Bentley headed to the United States in 2016 to play college soccer for the West Virginia Wesleyan Bobcats, where he made significant contributions, scoring 25 goals over three seasons. He later transferred to Missouri State University, achieving remarkable success and becoming a First-Team All-American. Bentley’s professional career began in 2020, and he has played for several teams in both the United States and England before signing with Chattanooga Red Wolves.
Early Life and Background
Matthew Bentley was born on 23 May 1998 in London, England, and grew up in the Greater London area. As a teenager, he attended Trinity Catholic High School in Woodford Green, where he developed his early interest in football. His upbringing in London provided him with access to competitive youth football and shaped his development as a forward.
During his teenage years, Bentley honed his skills in English football before deciding to pursue an opportunity abroad. In 2016, he made the life-changing decision to move to the United States through the U.S. Sports Scholarships organization, which helps English footballers attend American post-secondary institutions to earn a degree while playing college soccer.
Path to Soccer
Bentley’s college career began at West Virginia Wesleyan University, where he played for the Bobcats from 2016 to 2018. During his freshman through junior seasons, he made 54 appearances and scored 25 goals, establishing himself as a prolific goal scorer at the collegiate level. His performances at West Virginia Wesleyan caught the attention of larger programs.
Ahead of his senior season, Bentley transferred to Missouri State University to compete in NCAA Division I men’s soccer. During the 2019 season, he helped the Missouri State Bears achieve a program-best 18–1–1 record, including their first-ever top-10 ranking from United Soccer Coaches. Bentley finished with 15 goals in 20 appearances for the Bears, earning First-Team All-American honors from United Soccer Coaches. He became the first footballer from Missouri State University to receive this prestigious recognition.
Matthew Bentley Career
Early Career (2018–2020)
While still in college, Bentley began his senior career in the summer of 2018 with GPS Portland Phoenix of USL League Two. He spent two seasons with the club, playing through 2019 while continuing his studies. This experience allowed him to gain competitive minutes in the American soccer pyramid while developing his game.
On 13 January 2020, Bentley was selected by Major League Soccer club Minnesota United FC in the fourth round with the 88th overall pick in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft. After spending a month with the club during pre-season, he was released on 23 February 2020. Following his release, Bentley returned to England and signed with Isthmian League club Basildon United on 21 August 2020, though he never played a competitive match due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
English Non-League and USL League Two (2021)
In February 2021, Bentley transferred to fellow Isthmian League side Hornchurch, where he played until the conclusion of the 2020–21 Isthmian League season. Following the season, he returned to the United States and joined Lionsbridge FC of USL League Two for the summer of 2021. With Lionsbridge, Bentley made 16 appearances, scored nine goals, and provided three assists, showcasing his scoring touch at the fourth-tier level.
After the USL League Two season, Bentley signed with Dover Athletic of the National League on 22 September 2021, where he made seven total appearances. On 26 November 2021, he joined Leatherhead of the Isthmian League, continuing his journey through English non-league football.
Richmond Kickers Era (2022–2023)
Ahead of the 2022 USL League One season, Bentley signed a professional contract with the Richmond Kickers on 16 December 2021. On 2 April 2022, he made his professional debut for the Kickers against FC Tucson, coming on in the 68th minute for Dakota Barnathan. In the 81st minute of the match, Bentley scored his first professional goal, helping secure a 4–0 victory.
Bentley spent two seasons with the Richmond Kickers, establishing himself as a reliable forward in USL League One. His time with the club allowed him to develop consistency at the professional level in the United States and build a reputation as a goal-scoring forward.
Return to England and Maidstone United (2024–2025)
In March 2024, Bentley returned to England and joined National League South club Maidstone United on a short-term contract until the end of the season. On 1 January 2025, his contract was terminated to allow him to return to the United States to take up a university scholarship, marking the end of his second stint in English football.
Chattanooga Red Wolves Era (2025–Present)
Bentley signed with USL League One club Chattanooga Red Wolves in February 2025, returning to the American professional ranks. Wearing the number 10 shirt, he joined the club as an experienced forward with a proven track record of scoring at multiple levels of the game. His signing brought a player with international college and professional experience to the Red Wolves squad.
As a forward with the Chattanooga Red Wolves, Bentley continues to build on his professional career in the United States. His journey from English youth football to American college soccer and back to the professional ranks reflects his adaptability and determination as a footballer.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Bentley’s career came during the 2019 NCAA Division I men’s soccer season, when he helped Missouri State achieve a program-best record and earned First-Team All-American honors, becoming the first footballer from Missouri State to receive the recognition. Another milestone came on 2 April 2022, when he scored his first professional goal for the Richmond Kickers in just his debut match. His selection in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft by Minnesota United FC marked his entry into the professional ranks.
Matthew Bentley Career Wins
Throughout his career, Matthew Bentley has competed across multiple leagues in both the United States and England, accumulating goals and assists at the college, amateur, and professional levels. His scoring record includes 25 goals at West Virginia Wesleyan, 15 goals at Missouri State, and nine goals during his time with Lionsbridge FC in USL League Two.
USL League One Highlights
Bentley has made his mark in USL League One through his stints with the Richmond Kickers from 2022 to 2023 and currently with the Chattanooga Red Wolves. His professional debut goal for the Kickers against FC Tucson remains one of the highlights of his time in the league. As a key forward for the Chattanooga Red Wolves, Bentley continues to contribute to the team’s attacking play.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond USL League One, Bentley has performed in the Isthmian League with clubs such as Hornchurch and Leatherhead, the National League with Dover Athletic, and National League South with Maidstone United. His time with Lionsbridge FC in USL League Two was particularly productive, with nine goals and three assists in 16 appearances during the summer of 2021.
Matthew Bentley Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Limited public information is available regarding Matthew Bentley’s family background. He was raised in the Greater London area and attended Trinity Catholic High School in Woodford Green during his teenage years, suggesting his formative years were spent in the Woodford Green area of London.
Personal Life
Matthew Bentley is an English national who has spent significant portions of his adult life in the United States, first as a college student-athlete and later as a professional footballer. His decision to move to the U.S. through the U.S. Sports Scholarships organization in 2016 marked the beginning of his transatlantic journey, which has seen him balance academic pursuits with a professional football career on both sides of the Atlantic.
2025 Season Performance
Matthew Bentley began the 2025 season in England with Maidstone United of National League South, having joined the club in March 2024 on a short-term contract. On 1 January 2025, his contract was terminated to allow him to return to the United States to take up a university scholarship, ending his time with Maidstone.
In February 2025, Bentley signed with USL League One club Chattanooga Red Wolves, marking his return to American professional soccer. Wearing the number 10 shirt, he joined the Red Wolves as an experienced forward with a proven goal-scoring record across multiple leagues. His signing added depth and experience to the Chattanooga attack for the 2025 campaign.
As the 2025 season progresses, Bentley aims to make a significant impact with the Chattanooga Red Wolves, drawing on his experience from college soccer, USL League Two, and previous USL League One appearances with the Richmond Kickers. His journey back to the United States represents a continuation of the transatlantic career he began in 2016.