While Orlando City SC has spent the past week beginning their preparation for the start of the MLS season, one of their newest additions, Brek Shea, has been in California training with the United States Men’s National Team. It seems that time has been well spent.
Shea was named to the starting XI for the USMNT’s international friendly against Chile, and it didn’t take long for him to make an impact. Shea sprinted up the left side from his wingback position and slid behind a Chilean defender to put away an excellent ball from Sporting Kansas City’s Matt Besler. The left footed strike, at an almost impossible angle, was drilled into the far post side net to give the US a 1-0 lead.
Shea played on the left side of midfield in Jurgen Klinsmann’s experimental 3-5-2 formation which has been all the rage in the world of soccer lately. This formation hinges on the play of the wingbacks (Brek Shea and DeAndre Yedlin) and their ability to get up and down the pitch. Both players used their speed to launch into attack while still maintaining defensive responsibility.
Shea could play a very similar role for Orlando City if he ends up at left back like head coach Adrian Heath hinted last week. Heath has utilized speed and athleticism at that spot in the years leading up to MLS to provide additional support in the attacking third.
Brek Shea’s start was one for the record books for Orlando City SC. He became their first player to make an appearance with the United States’ senior team.
The USMNT camp will come to a close after their February 8th match against Panama (Live on ESPN and UniMas). After the conclusion of camp, Shea will join his teammates in Orlando in preparation for the start of the MLS season.
