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Kyle Beckerman cuts off dreadlocks after 12 years of trademark hairdo

In one of the most stunning decisions in U.S. soccer history, Kyle Beckerman has cut off his dreadlocks.

Having grown out his hair since 2005, the United States and MLS midfielder showed up at his exit physical at Real Salt Lake on Wednesday sporting a new look.

The dreads were gone (all but one, curiously) and Beckerman said he had made the change the day after RSL's final game of the season last month.

"My wife and I started snipping some on Monday after the game, and just kept going," Beckerman said.

Beckerman, 34, is out of contract but is looking to stay with the team next season and joked that shedding a few pounds of hair could help his side of the negotiations.

"It's just a new do, and I feel ready to rock," he said. "So maybe this new do will make them think I'm 22, 23 and sign a longer deal."

His teammate Nick Rimando said the change couldn't hurt. "It looks great," he said. "He'll be faster next year, hopefully."