Brek Shea signs for Orlando City from English Premier League’s Stoke City
Orlando City Soccer has added another piece to the jigsaw today by announcing the signing of English Premier League striker Brek Shea from Stoke City.
The Texas born striker previously played 98 times for FC Dallas scoring 19 goals before moving to Stoke on 31st January, 2013 for a fee of £2.5 million on a four-and-a-half-year contract. He made his debut for Stoke against Fulham on February 23. Shea made just one more appearance as a substitute before being ruled out for the remainder of the 2012-13 season due to a foot injury. He also picked up a knee injury which saw him miss the start of the 2013-14 season. In total he made just three appearances for Stoke but he did go out on loan to Barnsley and Birmingham City where he made eight and six appearances respectively.
His career total is currently at 115 professional appearances for the various clubs listed above as well as twenty seven appearances for the United States Men’s National Team for whom he has scored two goals.
“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.”
