FC Dallas has acquired defender Jack Stewart on loan from NASL (U.S. Soccer Federation Division II) side NSC Minnesota Stars, the club announced today.

Per team and league regulations, details of the contract were not released.

"FC Dallas is very happy to get Jack Stewart," FC Dallas headcoach Schellas Hyndman said. "Jack brings something we felt we really needed in another defender. He does have MLS experience as well as some good size. It will take him a short time to adjust to our defensive structure and communication, but I believe he will be a great addition to the team."

The 10th overall selection in the 2005 Major League Soccer SuperDraft, Stewart appeared in a total of 39 matches for the Chicago Fire and Real Salt Lake between 2005 and 2007. The 6'2" center back plied his trade in Norway in 2008, playing with both Moss FK and Nybergsund IL. Stewart returned to the U.S. in 2009, playing in six matches with then-USL First Division (U.S. Soccer Federation Division II) Carolina RailHawks before suffering a leg injury.

Stewart spent nearly two years recovering from his injury before signing for the NSC Minnesota Stars during the 2011 preseason. The California native quickly assumed a starting role in central defense for the Stars, who are 7-7-6 on the season despite having the second-best defense in the league. Minnesota has allowed just 20 goals in the first 20 matches of the season.

Stewart twice earned All-Big East honors at the University of Notre Dame during his collegiate career.