Frisco, TX (Sports Network) - Midfielder Daniel Hernandez announced his retirement Wednesday, hanging up his cleats for a chance to join the FC Dallas coaching staff.
Hernandez, 36, played for five different teams during his 15-year playing career in Major League Soccer. The Tyler, Texas native joined FC Dallas in 2009 to reunite with his former Southern Methodist University coach Schellas Hyndman.
"Being able to play out the past four seasons of my MLS career in front of my friends and family here in Dallas has been very memorable," Hernandez said in a statement. "I am excited to start the next phase of my MLS career with FC Dallas."
Hernandez was instrumental in leading FC Dallas to MLS Cup in 2010, logging every minute of postseason action despite suffering from a torn lateral meniscus. He appeared in 28 games for the club in 2012, the first time the club missed out on the playoffs.
"FC Dallas appreciates all the hard work and leadership that Daniel Hernandez has demonstrated over the past four seasons," Hyndman said in a statement. "We look forward to working with Daniel as he steps into a coaching role with the club."
