FRISCO, Texas – Defender Matt Hedges was the latest FC Dallas player to join Season Ticket Members for a hangout Q/A on Zoom, the video conferencing service.
In the call, Hedges revealed how he’s been staying in shape while the MLS training moratorium remains in effect.
“I’ve just been working out and doing all the drills the coaches have been sending," he said. "But working out on your own will never compare to working out in a team-like situation or playing an actual game. Without a teammate it’s tougher to push yourself, it’s all mental. So, it’s definitely tougher to stay in shape without training with everybody every day.”
Hedges is an American international with five caps to his name. He told supporters what it felt like to get that first USMNT call-up back in 2015.
“It was amazing the first time I got called up. Jürgen Klinsmann called me but I actually missed the call, so I had to call him back. I was so excited I kind of forgot how to talk and was forgetting words and stuff but it was great.”
The supporters also got treated to a mini Hedges house tour where he showed some of the memorabilia and souvenirs from his career so far.
“Those are two of my All-Star jerseys and I’m about get the jersey from the third All-Star game. I also have my jersey from the national championship game in college that I’m planning to get framed soon, along with the ring and watch they gave us from that game.
“I don’t usually trade jerseys after games unless the players are my friends. So, here’s a jersey I got from Ray Gaddis from the Philadelphia Union. We played club soccer together for 7-8 years so it’s cool that we’ve been in the league together for so long.”
And if his house was on fire, what items would Hedges save first? (After his wife and child, of course).
“I’d probably grab the (2016) Open Cup and Supporters’ Shield rings.”
Hedges also had a message for all FCD supporters on and off the call.
“It’s a bummer we haven’t been able to play in front of you guys in a while. But I’m so excited to see everyone again and get out there, hear the chants, and go get the three points for you guys because that’s why I love doing.”
FC Dallas will be hosting more video calls with players and supporters in the coming weeks.
