Matt Hedges signs new deal with FC Dallas

FC Dallas signed center back Matt Hedges to a new four-year contract that runs through the 2020 season.

The 26-year old was named MLS Defender of the Year and to the league’s Best XI squad. He helped lead FC Dallas to the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and the Supporters’ Shield. In his 26 appearances, his club went 13-4-9 and gave up .88 goals per game, compared to 2.125 when he was not in the lineup.

Hedges made his debut and so far only appearance with the USMNT in 2015, a substitute appearance in a friendly with Panama. Despite sustained success at the domestic level, he did not receive consideration from Jurgen Klinsmann.

However, there’s a new man in charge (Bruce Arena, in case you had not heard), so perhaps Hedges will be a more frequent inclusion in future rosters. January camp is right around the corner, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him get a shot. The U.S. can always use competent and capable center backs. The position is a bit crowded at the moment with John Brooks, Geoff Cameron, Omar Gonzalez, and Matt Besler, but Hedges could work his way into the rotation.