Throwback Thursday: Brek Shea

Orlando City are still searching for their first home win this season and face MLS’ in-from franchise when they welcome New England Revolution to the Citrus Bowl.

But someone who is feeling at home with the expansion side is USA international Brek Shea, after returning to MLS ahead of the 2015 season.

The former Stoke City man is still only 25-years-old and after enduring a frustrating time across the pond will be hoping to kick-start his career in Orlando. 

Shea has found his feet in Orlando

Factfile:

Full name: Dane Brekken Shea

Date of Birth: 28/02/1990

Nationality: American

Height: 1.91m

Clubs: FC Dallas, Stoke City, Barnsley, Birmingham City, Orlando City

Club Appearances: 138*

Club Goals: 19*

International Appearances: 31*

International Goals: 4*

Honours: CONCACAF Gold Cup 2013

The Early Years:

Shea went to school in Texas and won four consecutive state championship titles while playing for the Texans FC youth programme in Houston.

He was awarded a place in the U.S. Soccer youth residency programme, which was set up to develop the nation’s top youth prospects at U16 and U17 level.

Prior to 2009 most MLS franchises did not have their own academy system like European clubs and it was felt this was a way of creating a professional development environment.

Rather than going to college, Shea turned professional upon leaving high school and was the second overall pick in the 2008 MLS SuperDraft – going to FC Dallas.

Making The Grade:

He made his MLS debut as a late substitute against Chivas USA, less than two months after turning 18, before seeing an injury curtail his first season.

After undergoing knee surgery, the American returned to action in May 2009 and made his full debut against LA Galaxy in his breakthrough campaign.

The 2010 season saw Shea make the left-wing position his own, making 25 regular season appearances, with only six players accruing more minutes.

The American struggled for first team action with Stoke

His budding reputation saw him train with Arsenal in the off season before Stoke City agreed a £2.5million fee with Dallas in January 2013 that saw the player head to England.

Premier League Struggles:

Shea made his Stoke debut a month later but would play only twice in 2012/13 because he was unable to return to full fitness following a foot injury.

The American needed a bone removed from his right foot in November 2012 and was unable to get up to speed to make an impression on Tony Pulis’ squad.

International soccer was a welcome distraction that summer as Shea helped the USA win the 2013 Gold Cup, scoring the winner against Panama in the final.

 He was a permanent fixture in the senior squad from the age of 19 and had already made 15 international appearances by the time he arrived in England.

More English Frustration:

His first team progression was again dashed as a knee injury he suffered in pre-season saw he miss the start of the 2013/14 season.

Shea was loaned out to Barnsley in January 2014 and made eight appearances before a post-match confrontation with his own fans saw his spell cut short.

Shea representing his country

Having failed to break into the Stoke side, he was again sent on loan to the Championship with Birmingham City his next destination in September 2014.

A three month spell in the midlands was the American play just six times before a return to MLS was agreed in December and his English nightmare was over. 

What’s Next?

Having returned to the USA, Shea has rediscovered his form and confidence and is beginning to live up to the hype that surrounded him as a teenager.

His move to left back has perhaps brought the best out of the 25-year-old, a position he has also occupied for Jurgen Klinsmann’s national side.

Despite turning in some impressive, goal-scoring performances, Shea is more than happy to return to a midfield role for Orlando following Kevin Molino’s season-ending injury.

Nailing down a permanent starting role domestically and for the USMNT will be the aim for Shea, as well as maybe sorting out his 'unique' haircut. 

Images courtesy of Alex Menendez, Clive Brunskill and Christian Hofer, with thanks