USMNT Win Over the Czech Republic Should Be Brek Shea's Last Appearance For Some Time

The story of the USMNT friendly with the Czech Republic was a new World Cup cycle with fresh faces. While three players made their debut with the senior team, many are questioning why Brek Shea was given minutes in the second half. It was easy to see why he has not been getting first-team minutes. He is not going to break through with Stoke City in the Premier League, but he was given another chance by Jurgen Klinsmann. It is time to turn the page on Shea and quit wasting valuable minutes on him.

Shea came on in the 63rd minute for Joe Corona, who was also largely ineffective. Shea joined a very young group of guys on the field against what looked to be a completely different Czech Republic team in the second half. It was his first international appearance in nearly six months. Shea did not have his normal pace and could not win any balls. Shea’s only real contribution were two lazy fouls. While Shea’s physique is still impressive, the play on the field is not at a national team level.

Shea knows he is not in the plans of Stoke City coach Mark Hughes. Yet the transfer window has passed and he did not move. Perhaps he was called in by Klinsmann to give him a chance to be showcased for a future club. Klinsmann may feel that he has a unique skill set and is hoping to provide Shea an opportunity. However, some of the obstacles Shea has faced have been self-inflicted including social media gaffes and obscene gestures. He said he has adjusted and learned from his mistakes. That is good for Shea, but he needs to prove it and not on the stage of an international friendly.

It is time for Shea to show through his own actions that he is ready for the next step in his career. If he can do that, then bring him back into the international picture. With a busy schedule ahead for the USMNT giving him minutes right now is stunting the development of another young player. There are signs that Shea has been maturing such as using his artistic talents as fundraisers for Cancer Support Community of North Texas. Still, it is time for Klinsmann to send a message to Shea to clean up his act, find a place for playing time and prove that he deserves more time with the senior team.

Douglas Smith is a soccer writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @DFresh39, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google.

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