Most summers the MLS grind and the Texas heat have combined to sap FC Dallas, and the club's record often suffers. But so far this season the summer record has been better as Dallas went 3 and 1 in June.
One big reason for that has been the play of captain Matt Hedges, who just received his second straight MLS All-Star game nod.
"Matt is consistency. He's absorbing a lot of responsibilities. I think he has responded very well to that," FC Dallas coach Oscar Pareja said.
Pareja knows some leaders are more vocal, some lead by example and some influence in other ways.