Leading into Orlando City’s inaugural MLS season, it was announced that Brek Shea would move from his former left midfield position to left back. Fans and media wondered whether the 25-year-old could make the necessary adjustments to succeed in his new position. But Shea has proven to be quite successful at adapting to several positions this season.
Following his success in the left back role, Shea was moved to left midfield to add some attacking power in the wake of Molino’s absence following his season-ending knee injury. Most recently Shea was forced yet again to make another move – further showing his versatility. When center back Tommy Redding and right back Rafael Ramos collided in the opening minutes on Saturday night, resulting in both leaving the game, Head Coach Adrian Heath made the decision to move Shea from left midfield to right back.
Throughout the season, Shea has shown his ability to be successful in multiple positions. On April 13, he was named to MLSsoccer.com’s Team of the Week as starting left back. On May 18, Shea received his second nod to Team of the Week as a member of the bench after playing left midfield.
Saturday night’s impromptu move to right back saw Shea receive his third Team of the Week selection. The versatile player now has now received the honor three times – each coming at a different position. [is Brek the only player to do that this season?]
His performance on Saturday night garnered praise from his coach. “I thought Brek was fantastic in the right back position,” Heath said following the game. “He was unbelievable when you consider the back four haven’t played together, and a couple of them are playing in wrong positions.”
Heath elaborated further on Shea’s ability during the Orlando City Coach’s Show Tuesday night. “I thought Brek Shea was different class at right back,” Heath stated. “He’s an incredible athlete. He’s 6’4, very dynamic, he’s incredibly quick. People don’t realize how quick he is. And he’s still not 100 percent fit.”
Due to injuries and international call-ups, several Orlando City players have been asked to display their versatility by playing multiple positions throughout the year. While many have done well with the adjustments, none have had the success of Brek Shea. His MLS Team of the Week-worthy performance Saturday night in a position he had yet to play proved that the multipurpose player can be successful anywhere on the field.
