The New York Red Bulls announced today they signed midfielder Dax McCarty to a new contact.

"We are delighted to sign Dax to an extended contract, as he is a very important player for this club," said Red Bulls Sporting Director Andy Roxburgh. "As a talented, American player, Dax is part of the heart and soul of this team and we are looking forward to once again having him contribute to the Red Bulls and our campaign."

McCarty, 25, is coming off a strong 2012 season in his first full year as a Red Bull. Featuring mainly as a central midfielder, McCarty started in 33 of 34 regular season games, notching three goals and three assists. He also started in New York's two playoff games. The Winter Park, FL native joined New York on June 27, 2011 from D.C. United in exchange for midfielder Dwayne De Rosario. Between his time in D.C. and New York, McCarty amassed 29 appearances, 25 starts and six assists.

Before heading to United, McCarty played five seasons for FC Dallas and was an important part of his team's run to the 2010 MLS Cup Final. That year, McCarty featured in 21 matches, tallying one goal and two assists while establishing himself as one of the top young midfielders in MLS. He also played in FC Dallas' four postseason games.

In 2009, McCarty had a breakout season, notching three goals and six assists in 28 games played. Drafted in the first round of the 2006 MLS SuperDraft out of the University of North Carolina. He recorded 93 appearances, 71 starts, five goals and 17 assists over five seasons with FC Dallas.

On the international level, McCarty has earned five caps for the United States and made his senior team debut on Nov. 14, 2009 against Slovakia. McCarty has also represented his country on the Under-20 level, where he appeared in all five games in the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2007 and was a member of the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team that competed in Beijing. He was a part of the U.S. Under-17 Residency Program.