Brek Shea, one of the league’s top young superstars, extended his contract with FC Dallas on Thursday, signing a deal through 2015 the team announced at a press conference at Pizza Hut Park.
Per team and league policy, terms of the deal will not be disclosed.
The newly turned 21-year-old is excited about the opportunity to stay with FC Dallas.
“This is my fourth season with them and it has been good to this point,” Shea told FCDallas.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.”
WATCH: Highlights from Brek Shea's career with FC Dallas, on the field and off
The 2008 MLS SuperDraft No. 2 overall draft pick, Shea hit career highs in 2010 registering five goals and four assists to go with his 25 regular season appearances.
After beginning 2011 in the US national team’s starting XI against Chile and playing 60 quality minutes against the South American side, Shea has scored two goals and notched one assist only 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.”
PHOTO GALLERY: Brek Shea from MLS SuperDraft to present day with FC Dallas
For the Texas native, home is where the heart is and that helped his decision to stay in FCD stripes for another four years.
“Being from Texas, family can come to the game whenever they feel like driving so it’s definitely a factor.”
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 resonate with many.
“I think the Dallas fans will be happy and so will I. I’m glad they support me and the team and hopefully we can keep doing it in years to come,” said Shea.
While many players jump ship and go to Europe at a young age, Shea sees this as an opportunity to improve his game stateside.
“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 here, so we'll see how it goes.”
Shea made his senior national team debut against Colombia on October 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 every day 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 he’ll (Bradley) call you up.”
Brek Shea: Career Highlights with FC Dallas
