Austin FC is closing in on a deal to acquire the quarterback Matt Hedges BY Toronto FCpoint to sources with direct knowledge of the deal Athletics.
The final details are being ironed out, but Toronto is expected to receive $500,000 in general allocation money (GAM) from Austin in the deal.
Hedges, 33, signed with Toronto in free agency this winter after previously spending his entire career with Austin’s rival. FC Dallas. Hedges made 14 appearances for Toronto after 310 appearances with Dallas, making his MLS debut in 2012. Hedges is Dallas’ all-time leader in appearances and may return to Texas, where he and his family are comfortable.
Austin has lacked depth in central defense this season, but has already added to the U.S. youth national team Brandon Craig on loan from Philadelphia Union and are now close to bringing Hedges into the fold. Julio Cascante AND Leo Vaisanen are the club’s two best natural options in central defense heading into the summer transfer window.
The move continues Toronto’s roster rebuild following the June firing of coach and athletic director Bob Bradley.
Franco Ibarra (borrowed from Atlanta United) and Latif Bekimi (trade with The New England Revolution) are signed while Mark-Anthony Kaye (New England) is gone and Hedges will be here soon. Loan for the Canadian right back Richie Laryea has also expired.
Austin is fifth in the West with 32 points after 23 games. Toronto is in 14th place in the East with 19 points after 24 games.
(Matt Hedges Photo: Robert Edwards/USA Today)
