Matt Hedges Signs New Contract with FC Dallas

November 26, 2019 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
FC Dallas News Release

Frisco, Texas - FC Dallas has signed defender Matt Hedges to a new, three-year contract, with a club options for the 2023 and 2024 seasons, using Targeted Allocation Money (TAM), the club announced today. Per team policy, terms of the deal will not be disclosed.

"We're thrilled that Matt has recommitted to FC Dallas on a long-term basis," said FC Dallas President Dan Hunt. "He is an important part of what we're doing here and we're going to continue to build around that foundation."

For more information, including soundbites and moments in Matt Hedges' career, visit FCDallas.com/Hedges

Hedges, 28, cemented his name in FC Dallas history throughout the 2019 season, surpassing former FC Dallas forward Jason Kreis in starts and minutes played for the club. Hedges currently leads the team with 236 starts and 20,848 minutes played.

"I love the club, the players, the coaching staff and everything about it." said Hedges. "It makes sense for my family and me to re-sign and be here for the foreseeable future."

In 2019, Hedges scored one goal and recorded one assist in 33 regular season appearances and scored his third Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup goal on June 12 against Oklahoma City Energy. He also scored his second career playoff goal for FC Dallas in the 63rd minute against Seattle Sounders FC on Oct. 19 to tie the Audi 2019 MLS Cup playoff match, 2-2.

Hedges has recorded 16 goals and three assists in 243 regular season appearances since joining FC Dallas in 2012 and was part of the team that won both the 2016 MLS Supporters' Shield and the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

Hedges has earned many recognitions throughout his eight seasons with FC Dallas starting in 2014 when he was named the youngest captain in FC Dallas history. Hedges was named to the MLS Best XI for two consecutive season (2015, 2016) and was honored as the 2016 MLS Defender of the Year. He has been named to the MLS All-Star squad for three consecutive seasons (2017, 2018, 2019) as a coach's pick and started alongside former FC Dallas defender Walker Zimmerman this year against Atlético Madrid. Hedges has also received FC Dallas Defender of the Year honors four times (2014, 2015, 2016, 2018) and was named FC Dallas Team MVP in 2018.

Hedges began his college career at Butler University and recorded 12 goals in 59 appearances. Hedges played at the University of North Carolina his senior year, where he scored six goals and had one assists in 20 starts and was part of the Tarheel defense that won the 2011 NCAA Championship. Hedges was selected by FC Dallas as the 11th overall pick in the 2012 MLS SuperDraft and made his MLS debut in the 1-0 win against New England Revolution on April 5.

Name: Matt Hedges

Connect with Matt: Twitter | Instagram

Position: Defender

No. 24

Height: 6-4

Weight: 185

Date of Birth: April 1, 1990 (29)

Birthplace: Rochester, New York

Hometown: Carmel, Indiana

Citizenship: USA

Transaction: FC Dallas signs Matt Hedges to a three-year contract with a club options for the 2023 and 2024 seasons using Targeted Allocation Money (TAM).

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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