It took an afternoon off from this preseason’s two-a-days for Brek Shea to realize how far he had come in an FC Dallas uniform.
Following Dallas’ 2-0 win over Seattle in Orlando on Monday, Schellas Hyndman had an afternoon training session in store for the second team. And unlike 2010’s preseason, Shea didn't take part in this one.
“Last year I was with the second team and then I started playing with the first team,” Shea told MLSsoccer.com by phone. “Every time I play with [the first team] and do well, my confidence goes up.”
Self-confidence is vital for a player’s success in any sport and soccer is no different. However, during Shea’s high school football days in Bryan, Texas, his coach said he would never equate to much as a player if he chose soccer. Shea told him that he knew he wanted to make it in soccer as it was the sport he most enjoyed playing.
“Texas high school football is pretty serious, so I think he was saying that to keep me playing,” said Shea.
WATCH: Brek Shea talks to MLSsoccer.com after defeat of Orlando City
It's likely that high school football coach knew of the gridiron success of Shea’s father, who played collegiately at Virginia Tech University.
Regardless, Hyndman is serious about developing a player who turns 21 next week and already has three years of MLS experience under his belt.
“It’s one thing to have a good first year, like a college player who starts off and has a great freshman year,” said Hyndman. “Then they have a down sophomore year then they bring it back their junior year. I think with young players you have to wait and see if he continues to grow, continues to mature and continues to be a better player.”
Last year was a good year for Shea. His five-goal, six-assist campaign, which included a trip to MLS Cup, were career highs for the Generation adidas graduate and 2008 SuperDraft No. 2 overall pick.
Shea found his way into Hyndman’s 4-1-4-1 system and started 21 of 25 games in 2010 as the featured left-sided midfielder. Shea’s size, speed and skills on the ball made him a threat down the flank as he fed ball after ball into opposing teams 18-yard box.
Shea was further rewarded with his first two caps with the US national team, playing in friendlies against South American squads Columbia and Chile.
“I think he is capable of scoring eight goals this year,” Hyndman said. “We try to give him some goals that are attainable but also some goals that are challenging, and I think those are expectations that he will be able to find success with.”
<p><em><strong>Check out the Feb. 24 edition of the <a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/extratime" target="_blank">ExtraTime Radio podcast</a>, featuring D.C. United's Charlie Davies, </strong></em><strong><em>Real Salt Lake's Nick Rimando and league executive Nelson Rodriguez</em></strong> <em><strong>talking about the new playoff structure.</strong></em></p>
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