Former UMBC men's soccer star and four-year Major League Soccer Association standout Matthew Watson recently joined the MLS coaching staff of FC Dallas.
 
"Matthew had a fantastic professional career in the MLS and USL," said UMBC head coach Anthony Adams. "It's no surprise that he is now getting opportunities as a talented coach in the MLS.  We couldn't be happier and wish him the best with FC Dallas."

Watson began his MLS career with the the Vancouver Whitecaps FC (2012 and 2013) and also played two seasons for the Chicago Fire FC (2014 and 2015). He started 55 of the 76 matches that he played in and also started an MLS Playoff game in 2012.
 
Watson joins the FC Dallas coaching staff following a historic season with USL Championship side New Mexico United. Prior to New Mexico, Watson was part of the FC Tulsa coaching staff in 2023 and served as the Director of Youth Development and Club Liaison for Indy Eleven in 2022.
 
Watson grew up in England but chose to attend UMBC. He played two seasons for the Retrievers in 2004 and 2005. Following the 2005 season, Watson elected to forgo his final two seasons of collegiate eligibility to turn professional.
 
In 2006, Watson signed with the Richmond Kickers of the USL Second Division. That season, he played in all twenty-four Kickers games as the team took both the regular season and playoff titles. In 2007, Watson and his teammates again took the regular season title but lost in the final of the USL-2 Championship to Harrisburg City Islanders. Watson was named a USL-2 first team All Star.

In April 2006, the Baltimore Blast of the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) selected Watson with the third pick in the MISL Draft. During the 2006–2007 season, Watson scored ten goals in twenty-nine games. In his second season, he broke his toe, putting him out for much of the season. However, he did win his second professional championship as the Blast won the 2007–2008 title. He finished his career with the Blast in 2012, scoring 34 goals in 83 career contests.

He finished his playing career in 2020 as a member of the Indy Eleven.