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Toronto FC

Toronto FC Sign Defender Matt Hedges

December 19, 2022 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Toronto FC News Release


Toronto FC has signed defender Matt Hedges to a two-year contract with options through 2026 using Targeted Allocation Money (TAM), the club announced today.

"Bringing a dominant centreback was one of our priorities during this offseason, and we are happy to have Matt joining our club," said Toronto FC President Bill Manning. "He is an MLS Defender of the Year with a ton of MLS experience that will help lead our backline. His presence and leadership will be critical as we continue to build the roster."

Hedges, 32, joins Toronto FC after spending his entire professional career (2012-2022) with FC Dallas, where he made a combined 349 appearances in all competitions (MLS regular season, MLS CupPlayoffs, Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and Concacaf Champions League. In his third year with FC Dallas (2014), Hedges captained the team for the first time and became the youngest captain in FC Dallas history. The Carmel, Indiana native served as the club captain for eight seasons and was instrumental in leading the team into the MLS Cup Playoffs in 2014, 2015 and 2016. In addition, he was part of the team that won both the MLS Supporters' Shield and U.S. Open Cup in 2016. During his time with the club, Hedges was named to the MLS Best XI in two consecutive seasons (2015, 2016), was honoured as the 2016 MLS Defender of the Year, and was named to the MLS All-Star squad for three consecutive seasons (2017, 2018, 2019). Hedges was originally selected by FC Dallas in the first round (11th overall) of the 2012 MLS SuperDraft and made his MLS debut in the 1-0 win against New England Revolution on April 5.

"Matt is a player with great character who brings valuable MLS experience to our group," said Toronto FC Head Coach and Sporting Director Bob Bradley. "He is eager for a new challenge and wants to be a part of what we are building here. We are happy to bring Matt to Toronto FC."

Hedges began his college career at Butler University, where he recorded 12 goals in 59 appearances. Hedges also played at the University of North Carolina during his senior year, where he scored six goals and had one assist in 20 starts and was part of the Tarheel defense that won the 2011 NCAA Championship.

TRANSACTION: Toronto FC sign Matt Hedges to a two-year contract with options through 2026 using Targeted Allocation Money (TAM).

MATT HEDGES

Position: Defender

Height: 6'4"

Weight: 207 lbs.

Date of Birth: April 1, 1990 (Age - 32)

Hometown: Carmel, Indiana

Nationality: American

Previous Club: FC Dallas

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