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Posted by
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November 21, 2017 |
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VANCOUVER, B.C - Vancouver Whitecaps FC face an uncertain offseason with several players expected to leave. David Ousted announced his departure from the organization, but mum's the word on who else could be leaving Whitecaps FC this offseason.
Brek Shea is one Whitecap who draws speculation on both sides of the fence. He's a designated player that earned $670,000.00 this season, while contributing 4 goals and 2 assists in 25 games. Not exactly a bang for your buck return for a designated player, but fourth on the Caps in goals behind, Fredy Montero (13), Yordy Reyna (6), and Cristian Techera (6).
Many Whitecaps FC supporters have mixed opinions on Shea. They want to see more from him, especially since he's a designated player. The former U.S. Soccer international has 34 caps on the international stage, but that's in the past. It's more 'What have you done for me lately,' and Whitecaps FC fans want to see a lot more from Brek Shea.
"I think in this league, especially, people come at those players, or just any player," Shea said, when asked about his designated player tag. "If you play with the national team, or you don't, people tend to put extra pressure on them. I don't really put pressure on myself, I try and go out there, and try and do the best I can each day, and to try and help the team in any way I can. It's not like I'm going out there, and half-assing it. I'm trying my hardest, and I go out there, and try my best."
The 2017 season was statistically Shea's best campaign since returning to MLS in 2015. After being acquired from Orlando City SC on February 25 for Giles Barnes. Shea contributed more offensively for his new team compared to Barnes. If Shea does return to Whitecaps FC for the 2018 season, does he feel that he can contribute more?
"I think you can bring more, I feel like I can bring more," Shea admitted. "I feel like I could have done more this year. Hopefully, I come back with a better mentality, and do more than I did this year."
The six-foot, three, Shea brings a lot of size for a Vancouver team that is vertically challenged in the height department. Shea is an aerial threat in the box, and he's able to hold off defenders when he is on his game. He offers another dimension for Coach Carl Robinson. His versatility allows him to play on the wing, attacking mid, or up top as a striker.
A native of College Station, Texas, does Brek Shea event want to come back to Vancouver? He is a long way from the comforts of the Southern U.S. and the warm climate that it brings. Canada is a whole new world, and a completely different experience.
"Yeah," Shea said, when asked if he wants to come back. "Vancouver is an unbelievable city. I'm not use to the cold, it's a big difference for me. I'm going to enjoy some sun in the offseason, but no, I liked it here. It's a great city, a great team, and a good organization."
In MLS you need all sorts of different players. Brek Shea brings something Whitecaps FC do not have. It's hard to find a finisher with size, strength, speed, and ability. Shea also has MLS expierence, and he knows what it takes to win. He might not be winning any fan favourite awards, but he deserves a second season in Vancouver to show what he can do.
If Vancouver is going to have a substantial roster turnover, it could be a far better option to have Shea in the fold. He's played all over the world, and has one full season under his belt in Vancouver. The Caps got the better of the Shea - Barnes trade, and it would be wasteful to ship Shea out after just one season.
"This is a great group of guys," Shea said. "I really enjoyed playing with them, and hanging out with them off the field. That really made things easy coming over."
Shea it ain't so, Brek should be back next season, and his detractors can button it.
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