Longtime FC Dallas defender Matt Hedges is on the move for the first time in his career with BMO Field set to become his new home.
Toronto FC signed the free agent centerback to two-year contract on Monday, the club announced. Hedges’ contact also includes two option years for 2025 and 2026, with TFC using Targeted Allocation Money to sign him.
The 32-year-old logged 349 appearances for FC Dallas over the past 10 years before seeing his contract option declined this offseason. Hedges was named to three MLS All-Star Games and made the MLS Best XI on two separate occasions.
“Matt is a player with great character who brings valuable MLS experience to our group,” Toronto head coach and sporting director Bob Bradley said. “He is eager for a new challenge and wants to be a part of what we are building here. We are happy to bring Matt to Toronto FC.”
Hedges joins a TFC squad that has failed to make the playoffs in each of the past two seasons. He is the second acquisition this offseason after TFC re-signed veteran midfielder Jonathan Osorio.
Here is a closer look at all of the recent MLS News:
Galaxy retains goalkeepers Bond, Klinsmann
The Los Angeles Galaxy made a pair of roster moves on Monday with both featuring the team’s top two goalkeeping options.
Jonathan Bond and Jonathan Klinsmann committed their futures to the Western Conference club on Monday in separate deals. Bond signed a contract extension through the 2024 MLS season while Klinsmann was re-signed through the 2023 season, which includes an option for 2024.
“Jonathan [Bond] has been a steady influence in the team for the past two seasons,” Vanney said in a statement. “We are pleased to reach an agreement to extend his contract.”
The 29-year-old has registered 12 clean sheets in 67 appearances across all competitions during two seasons as the Galaxy’s starting goalkeeper. He ranks fifth all-time with 26 league victories for the club.
“Jonathan [Klinsmann] continues to grow in his development to be a high-level goalkeeper,” Vanney said. “We are pleased to have him back and competing every day to make himself and his teammates better. We look forward to the impact he can have in the team this coming season.”
Klinsmann has started 11 matches across all competitions for the Galaxy. He previously spent time with German Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin and Swiss Pro League side FC St. Gallen.
The Galaxy reached the Western Conference semifinals in 2022.
Union re-sign Joe Bendik for 2023 season
Joe Bendik will return to the Philadelphia Union in 2023 after re-signing with the MLS Cup Finalists on Monday.
Bendik, 33, was out of contract following the 2022 season, but signed a one-year contract to remain in Jim Curtin’s squad. Bendik has registered 22 clean sheets in 181 regular-season appearances during his MLS career, featuring previously for the Portland Timbers, Toronto FC, Orlando City, and Columbus Crew.
“Joe is integral to our goalkeeper unit, which was the best in the league last season,” Union sporting director Ernst Tanner said. “His hard work, professionalism, and the way he connects with both veterans and young players is beneficial to the entire team. We’re happy to have come to an agreement and welcome him back as a mentor and leader in our locker room.”
Bendik has brought valuable experience to the Union squad, serving as a backup behind Jamaican international Andre Blake. Union homegrown shot-stopper Matt Freese is also on the first team roster.
The Union reached their first-ever MLS Cup in 2022 before falling to Los Angeles FC in a penalty shootout.