by DAVE MARTINEZ

“Hallelujah!”

That was the reaction of New York Red Bulls captain Dax McCarty when addressing the team’s decision to take up his contract option.

And that was surely the reaction from the Red Bulls fanbase as well.

McCarty, who had a club option for 2016, was originally scheduled to speak to team Sporting Director Ali Curtis about his future with the club during the offseason. Instead, Curtis revealed Monday morning that the club has exercised McCarty’s option, bringing him back to the fold for next season.

“It’s great news,” McCarty said. “Obviously, I have one year left and we will see what happens in the future. Hopefully coming back next year, we can make another run at MLS Cup.”

McCarty, 28, has been a fixture and a leader within the Red Bulls this season. He was second in the team with assists (8), earning 32 starts and logging 2,777 minutes on the season — fourth best on the team.

His influential work in the midfield has earned McCarty MLS Best XI honors. He is the first defensive midfielder to earn the distinction since Ozzie Alonso did in 2012.

For McCarty, his extended stay in New York is welcome news.

“I couldn’t be prouder to be part of this group of guys, this locker room,” he said. “And I mean this from the bottom of my heart; this is truly one of the best locker rooms I have ever been a part of, from the coaching staff, to the front office, throughout all the players. It is one of the best locker rooms I have ever been a part of. Some great players and better people. To be able to come to work and be with these guys everyday is a blessing.

“I am looking forward to at least another year of that. Obviously in the future, you guys know, we will see what happens. But hopefully I will be here for a long time.”