ORLANDO – December 19, 2014 – Orlando City Soccer Club announced it has signed U.S. Men’s National Team star and former Major League Soccer (MLS) All-Star Brek Shea as the Lions continue building a formidable squad heading into its inaugural MLS season. Per Club and league policy, additional terms were not disclosed.
Shea’s signing marks his return to MLS play following nearly two seasons with Stoke City of the English Premier League. He played five seasons with FC Dallas after being drafted second overall by the club in the 2008 MLS SuperDraft. A frequent presence on the Men’s National Team since 2010, Shea has notched a number of professional accomplishments throughout his playing career including:
• Over 110 appearances for FC Dallas with 19 goals
• Named 2011 MLS All-Star and MLS Best XI
• Finalist for the 2011 MLS MVP award
• 27 International caps and two goals with the USMNT, including the 2013 Gold Cup Championship squad
“Brek is one of the key ‘finishing touches’ to a high-quality, competitive squad that Paul McDonough and Adrian Heath have assembled over the past several weeks and months,” said Orlando City Founder and President Phil Rawlins. “His pedigree, success in MLS and on the international stage pair well with the experience, youth and talent already present here in Orlando. We can’t wait for preseason training to start so the Lions can take to the pitch and prepare for our much-anticipated debut.”
“I can’t speak enough about the talent and passion that Brek brings to the squad,” said Coach Heath. “Having had a chance to watch him train with us over the summer, I was impressed with the caliber of player he is and with his desire to win. I think those qualities fit well with our style of play, our team’s philosophy and the other talented players on our squad. We have a lot work to do to prepare for the start of the season but we have a talented roster with which to start.”
Off the pitch, Shea is a talented artist and often uses his art to raise money for charitable causes. His work can be found online at www.leftfootstudio.com.
Transaction: Orlando City SC Acquires Brek Shea.
Name: Brek Shea (Breck Shay)
Date of Birth: 02/28/1990
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 180 lbs.
Birthplace: College Station, TX
Citizenship: United States
Twitter: @BrekShea
