FRISCO, Texas — Brek Shea, one of the league’s top young superstars, extended his contract with FC Dallas on Thursday by signing a deal through 2015, the team announced at a press conference at Pizza Hut Park on Thursday.
Per team and league policy, terms of the deal will not be disclosed.
“This is my fourth season with them and it has been good to this point,” Shea told MLSsoccer.com before the team’s regeneration session Thursday morning. “They have helped me a lot through good and bad. I feel comfortable here, and I am happy to be here.”
The No. 2 overall pick of 2008 MLS SuperDraft hit career highs in 2010, registering five goals and four assists to go with his 25 regular-season appearances.
WATCH: Shea wins AT&T Goal of the Week, Week 7
After beginning 2011 in the US national team’s starting XI against Chile and playing 60 quality minutes against the South American side, Shea — who recently turned 21 — has scored two goals and notched one assist eight games into the 2011 campaign.
Holding onto the top young talent in North America is a priority that MLS holds high on its list.
"Re-signing a player of Brek Shea's impressive ability and potential shows the great vision of FC Dallas leadership and proves the league's continuing commitment to retaining top, young American players,” said MLS Commissioner Don Garber in an FC Dallas press release.
Added Shea, “I think it’s good for the league, especially when young players want to stay. Each year it grows bigger and bigger and better and better, so I think it’s great.”
For the Texas native, home is where the heart is and that helped his decision to stay in the FCD colors for at least another four years.
“Being from Texas, my family can come to the game whenever they feel like driving, so it’s definitely a factor,” he said.
Shea has a large contingency of fans in North Texas and around the United States. His tall frame and long, blonde hair make him stand out on the pitch — and his fun-loving personality resonates with many.
“I think the Dallas fans will be happy and so will I," Shea said. "I’m glad they support me and the team and hopefully we can keep doing it in years to come."
While some players seek out careers in Europe at a young age, Shea said he sees an opportunity here to improve his game.
“As a soccer player, I want to try and play in Europe at least one time in my career, but I don’t think it’s the right opportunity right now,” said Shea. “I want to try and be on the All-Star team and do big things.”
Shea made his senior national team debut against Colombia on Oct. 12 and becoming a mainstay on Bob Bradley’s roster is part of his plan.
“I definitely want to try and be one of the guys on the 24-player roster. I’m just going to go out there everyday and work hard and hopefully get called up. It doesn’t matter where you are; as long as you are playing well enough to be there, [Bradley] will call you up.”
