2016 Defender of the Year signs through 2022
Matt Hedges leads the team with 236 starts and 20,848 minutes played.
FC Dallas signed defender Matt Hedges to a three-year contract. The club has options for the 2023 and 2024 season. 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. He is an important part of what we’re doing here and we’re going to continue to build around that foundation.”
Dan Hunt – FC Dallas President
In 2019, Hedges surpassed former FC Dallas and current U.S. Men’s National U-23 coach Jason Kreis in starts and minutes played. Hedges 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.”
Hedges has scored 16 goals and three assists in the regular season since joining FC Dallas in 2012. He was a part of the 2016 FC Dallas team that won the MLS Supporters’ Shield and the Lamar U.S. Open Cup.
Hedges scored one goal and an assist in 2019, as well as third U.S. Open Cup goal. 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 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.
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