Michael DeShields explained

Michael DeShields
Fullname:Michael Dominic DeShields
Birth Date:23 April 1998
Birth Place:Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
Height:1.85 m
Position:Defender
Currentclub:Hartford Athletic
Clubnumber:24
Youthclubs1:Baltimore Celtic
Collegeyears1:2018–2020
College1:Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Collegecaps1:60
Collegegoals1:3
Years1:2019
Clubs1:Treasure Coast Tritons
Caps1:7
Goals1:1
Years2:2021
Clubs2:New England Revolution II
Caps2:0
Goals2:0
Years3:2021
Clubs3:D.C. United
Caps3:0
Goals3:0
Years4:2021
Clubs4:Loudoun United (loan)
Caps4:14
Goals4:0
Years5:2022
Clubs5:New England Revolution II
Caps5:17
Goals5:0
Years6:2023–2024
Clubs6:Pittsburgh Riverhounds
Caps6:13
Goals6:0
Club-Update:October 5, 2023
Years7:2024–
Clubs7:Hartford Athletic
Caps7:0
Goals7:0

Michael Dominic DeShields (born April 23, 1998) is a Trinidadian soccer player who plays as a defender who currently plays for USL Championship side Hartford Athletic

Career

Early life

DeShields was born in Baltimore, Maryland and attended the McDonogh School. In 2015 he led the school's varsity soccer team as it accomplished a 21-0-1 record and won the MIAA Class A State Championship. For his efforts, DeShields was honored as Maryland Boys' Soccer Gatorade Player of the Year in 2015.[1] After graduating from McDonough, he went to college at Wake Forest University, joining their soccer team.[2] DeShields was also part of the Baltimore Celtic academy.[3]

In 2019, DeShields also appeared in the USL League Two for Treasure Coast Tritons.[4]

Professional

On November 30, 2020, DeShields signed a contract with the New England Revolution II in USL League One while finishing his college career at Wake Forest.[5] However, he did not appear on their roster, as the league's season was already over and DeShields entered the 2021 MLS SuperDraft from Wake Forest. He was selected in the first round with the fifth overall pick by D.C. United. Under MLS rules, D.C. United would either have to make him an offer, or his rights would default back to the Revolution II.

On February 5, 2021, DeShields officially signed with D.C. United.[6]

On May 18, 2021, DeShields made his professional debut, appearing as a half-time substitute for D.C. United's USL Championship side Loudoun United during a 2–1 loss to New York Red Bulls II.[7] DeShields made his first start for Loudoun on May 29, in a 1–0 win over New Mexico United.[8]

Following the 2021 season, DeShields was released by D.C. United.[9]

DeShields rejoined New England Revolution II on February 4, 2022, ahead of their inaugural MLS Next Pro season.[10] Following the 2022 season, his option was declined by New England.[11]

On February 28, 2023, DeShields joined USL Championship side Pittsburgh Riverhounds.[12]

On June 19, 2024, DeShields joined fellow USL club Hartford Athletic after getting minimal game time in the first half of the 2024 Riverhounds season.[13] [14]

International

On January 27, 2021, DeShields was called up to the senior Trinidad and Tobago national football team camp to train for a friendly match against the United States men's national soccer team taking place on January 30.[15] However, he did not appear on the gameday roster. DeShields is not yet cap-tied, so he is currently eligible to play for the senior team of either Trinidad & Tobago or the US.

Personal life

Michael Dominic DeShields is the son of Jeanette Gibbs and Michael DeShields, and is the oldest of their four children. He majored in Communications while at Wake Forest.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Maryland Boys Soccer POY: Michael DeShields . USA TODAY . 8 February 2021 . 11 February 2016.
  2. Web site: Michael DeShields - 2019 Men's Soccer Roster . Wake Forest University Athletics . 8 February 2021 . en.
  3. Web site: US Youth Soccer a common thread among Gatorade State Players of the Year honorees | US Youth Soccer. www.usyouthsoccer.org.
  4. Web site: North County United | uslleaguetwo.com. www.uslleaguetwo.com.
  5. Web site: Czarda . Stephen . Michael DeShields Signs with New England Revolution II . Wake Forest University Athletics . 7 February 2021 . en . 30 November 2020.
  6. Web site: February 5, 2021. D.C. United Sign Defender Michael DeShields. February 7, 2021. mlssoccer.com.
  7. Web site: Loudoun United FC vs. New York Red Bulls II - May 18, 2021 | USLChampionship.com. www.uslchampionship.com.
  8. Web site: Lukat. Carl. May 30, 2021. Loudoun United earns first win of 2021 season. July 12, 2021. Loudoun Times.
  9. Web site: DC United's transformation under Hernan Losada continues with roster update | MLSSoccer.com. mlssoccer.
  10. Web site: Revolution II sign four players to MLS NEXT Pro roster ahead of the 2022 season . RevolutionSoccer.net . 6 February 2022.
  11. Web site: New England Revolution II Year-End Roster Update | New England Revolution. revolutionsoccer.net.
  12. Web site: Three new signings announced Tuesday.
  13. Web site: Hartford Athletic Acquire Michael DeShields From Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC via Transfer . 2024-06-28 . Hartford Athletic . en-US.
  14. Web site: Michael DeShields . 2024-06-28 . Hartford Athletic . en-US.
  15. Web site: - . Trinidad & Tobago Football Association . Facebook . 8 February 2021 . en . 27 January 2021.