FRISCO, Texas (Dec. 6) – FC Dallas has signed the best defender in Major League Soccer to a new, four-year contract, the club announced today.

The 26-year-old American was named MLS Defender of the Year on Nov. 11, and to the MLS Best XI on Dec. 5. He is the 14th defender in MLS history to earn multiple Best XI awards.

Dallas went 13-4-9 with Hedges in the starting lineup, giving up 23 goals in his 26 games played – an average of 0.88 goals allowed per game. Without the UNC product, FC Dallas conceded 17 goals in eight matches for a mark of 2.125 goals allowed per game. Dallas recorded 11 of its 12 shutouts during the regular season with Hedges in the lineup.

Hedges helped Dallas claim the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in September and the 2016 MLS Supporters’ Shield in October.

Name: Matt Hedges

Ht: 6-4

Wt: 185

DOB: April 1, 1990

Birthplace: Rochester, New York

Hometown: Carmel, Indiana

Citizenship: USA

College: UNC

Transaction: FC Dallas signs defender Matt Hedges to new four-year contract.