ORLANDO, Fla. -- Brek Shea insists he is reveling in his newfound role of left back for both the US national team and Orlando City SC.
The former Stoke City wide man has played much of his career on the left wing and suddenly finds himself in a more defensive role for the first time since his early days with FC Dallas.
But after getting his first pre-season start for City in their 2-2 draw with Sweden’s BK Håcken on Friday, Shea said he is delighted at the switch.
“I am definitely enjoying the position,” he said. “It is not new and yet it is at the same time. Obviously it’s my first time on the field with the guys and I still have to learn their tendencies but I think it was good and I really enjoy the way coach Adrian Heath wants the team to play.”
The 24-year-old was tabbed for his new role by Jurgen Klinsmann for recent US games against Chile and Panama, and is firmly penciled in for the same position with the Lions.
“I had several conversations with Jurgen about what he wanted me to do, although I don’t know what he has in mind in future,” Shea added. “But I feel it’s what I’m here to do—get forward and use my attacking ability as well as in the defensive role.”
Orlando assistant coach Mark Watson was pleased with what he saw of Shea in almost an hour of action against Håcken.
“It was really positive,” he said. “It is still early in terms of fitness and learning the position, but he has good instincts and good qualities going forward, as well as good defensive instincts.”
Shea especially enjoyed his first experience alongside Brazilian ace Kaka, who will clearly be the midfield lynchpin for the Lions’ debut season.
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“Kaka is great to play with,” Shea admitted. “He can slow things down when needed and keep momentum going when we’re on top. You can trust him to hold on to the ball and find the killer pass in the final third.”
That was in evidence as Kaka set up Kevin Molino’s opener with a pull-back from the byline, while trialist Seb Hines headed the second from a corner to make it 2-2 after Martin Ericsson had struck for the Swedes with a pinpoint free-kick and from the penalty spot.
“We got what we wanted,” Watson added. “We were better than the last time out, a little stronger and sharper. It is so important to build that understanding and we achieved that today.”
