FRISCO, Texas - North Texas SC has signed defender Derek Waldeck to an MLS NEXT Pro professional contract, pending league and U.S. Soccer Federation approval. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Waldeck, 24, joins North Texas SC on a one-year contract with an option for the 2023 season.
“We’re delighted to have Derek back for our inaugural MLS NEXT Pro season,” said North Texas SC General Manager Matt Denny. “He’s proven himself as a leader for this club over the past two years and we look forward to watching him grow even more this season.”
Naturally a left back or defensive midfielder, Waldeck joined North Texas SC in February of 2020 after being drafted 66th overall in the MLS SuperDraft by FC Dallas. Waldeck featured in every single league match (44 games in total) over his first two seasons and served as club captain in 2021. The Santa Clarita, Calif. native registered six assists over his first two seasons.
Prior to his professional career, Waldeck played four seasons at Stanford where he won two NCAA National Championships with the Cardinals and was named to the All-Pac-12 First Team and United Soccer Coaches All-Far West Region First Team his senior year. In all, Waldeck made 89 appearances, scoring six goals and adding 22 assists.
Transaction: North Texas SC signs defender Derek Waldeck to MLS NEXT Pro professional contract.
Name: Derek Waldeck*
Pronunciation: Wall-deck
Position:* Defender*
DOB:* Feb. 1, 1998 (24)*
Birthplace:* Santa Clarita, California*
Height:* 5’8”*
Weight:* 160*
Nationality:* United States*
Last Club:* North Texas SC*
How Acquired:* Acquired on Feb. 7
