FRISCO, Texas — It took seven seasons and over 230 total games played, but FC Dallas defender Matt Hedges finally reached the 20,000-minute milestone for the club. He holds the second-most minutes ever played in a FC Dallas uniform, trailing only Jason Kreis, who has 20,290 minutes to his name.
The milestone came in the seventh minute of FCD's match against Minnesota United in what ended up being a 5-3 win for the home side. Hedges played 45 minutes in total Saturday night, coming out of the game at halftime.
It's been a long road for Hedges to get to where he is now. He was named the youngest captain in FC Dallas history in 2014, and he's been named to the MLS Best XI in 2015 and 2016. Hedges was also named the MLS Defender of the Year in 2016, and he's solidified his status as one of the league's best and most consistent defenders in recent history.
The 2012 first round pick reflected on what the milestone meant for him, especially for the only club he's ever known in MLS.
“It’s an honor for me, especially playing for the club that drafted me and gave me a chance in the league when other teams didn’t," Hedges said. "I’m glad I get to repay them with so many minutes, games and wins.”
Even though Saturday's match was a special one for Hedges's career, he said it felt like just another ordinary game as the team fights for a playoff spot in the waning parts of the regular season.
“To score five goals is obviously a great feeling for us," he said. "I think it could have been a bit better, and it was unfortunate I had to come off. It’s not something that I like to do, but getting three points no matter how you can at this point in the season is good.”
Looking back on his career, Hedges said he'll always remember the 2016 season for the trophies collected and memories made.
“That was one of the best times the club has had, so being a part of that was fantastic.”
