FRISCO — FC Dallas center back Matt Hedges is looking to make his third-straight MLS All-Star selection in 2019. In last year’s All-Star Game, Hedges came on as a halftime substitute and played the remaining 45 minutes against Juventus in an eventual loss in penalty kicks.
With the All-Star Game just a few months away, here are three reasons to vote for Hedges.
Passing
With a new style of play this season under Head Coach Luchi Gonzalez, Hedges is 16th in MLS in successful passes with 706. He’s also 3nd in MLS in successful passes in own half with 553. The transition has been essentially seamless from last year to this one for Hedges, and he’s been a constant veteran to rely upon this season.
Dribbling
Hedges has a 75-percent dribble-success rate this season. Under Gonzalez, FCD’s defenders are more successful when dribbling and passing within their own half in order to maintain possession and build up to chances in the final third.
Consistency
Hedges is within the top 50 in MLS in duels won by defenders. His 6’ 4” frame allows himself to use his physicality as a defender, and it’s hard for attackers to get by the center back. Hedges has also started 13 of FCD’s 14 total matches this season — a constant force on the back line.
