Brek Shea Officially Announced As Orlando City SC Player, Smart Move?
Orlando City SC announced the signing of their newest player this afternoon, USMNT midfielder, Brek Shea. The move is good for Shea to finally make a return to MLS and actually get consistent playing time for a club. Even with the move now official, fans of Orlando City are all wondering the same thing, will the Shea of his first six years in MLS show-up, or will the EPL Shea show-up?
Don’t get me wrong, Shea still has a lot of miles left, but his recent form in England raised some serious concerns for how good he actually still is.
After spending two seasons at Stoke City, Barnsley and Birmingham City in England, Shea barely saw the field for City, Barnsley or Birmingham City. A player loaded with incredible talent went to England and just could not find his footing, similar to many that have gone before him. His lack of success should not have come as a huge surprise to many.
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Shea never scored a goal while playing for any of the three clubs he spent time with in England. Because of his poor form, it cost him a spot on the 2014 FIFA World Cup roster, even after a decent showing at the 2013 Gold Cup, where he scored two goals over five games.
The former FC Dallas winger brings pace and experience to the newly promoted OCSC squad, something both head coach Adrian Heath hopes to witness. “We think Brek Shea can play anywhere down the left side for us.” Heath continued with his praises for Shea by stating “It’s not very often you get someone of his age and his experience who knows the league like he does. ” Shea certainly knows MLS, but does he know the new MLS? Time will tell.
There are even rumors of Shea spending some time at left back during his days at Orlando City. Shea has a terrific left foot and using his pace and skill set on the left side, no matter where he lines-up, will benefit OCSC.
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Shea is incredible excited about returning to MLS. A league that he spend five seasons at. Scoring 19 goals and dishing out 17 assists. “I really enjoyed my training stint here in the summer and I wanted to make that permanent.” It’s nice to know that occasionally, when a player does spend time with a club on a training spell, plans for that player joining the club are being considered.
Orlando City get a steal in Shea. Yes, the past two season were not good for Shea, but he is now at a club who actually cares about him and respects him. American players have a difficult time fitting in over in England because of the incredible difference in play between the EPL and MLS. Shea took his experiences with a grain of salt and will no doubt apply them to his time in MLS.
When Orlando City take the field in March against New York City FC, Shea will be a focal point of the attack. Personally, the new Shea signed today will be much different from what fans recall of him. The time Shea spent in England taught him a lot of lessons. Lessons he will use to his advantage this up-coming season.
Do you think Brek Shea was a good signing for Orlando City SC? Tell us why or why not below!