Not more than a couple hours after Orlando City SC concluded its final preseason match did the club announce a trade. The Lions have traded Brek Shea to the Vancouver Whitecaps in exchange for forward Giles Barnes, according to a press release Tuesday night.
“We’re thrilled to boost our attack with a player like Giles,” City general manager Niki Budalic said, per the release. “His versatility to score and create goals will be a valuable asset this season. I’d like to thank Brek for his exemplary professionalism during time with our club.”
Last season, Barnes had two goals and an assist in 10 appearances (eight starts) with Vancouver. The 28-year-old has spent most of his career with the Houston Dynamo, playing five seasons with the club prior to moving to Vancouver for the lone 2016 season. For his career, he has 33 goals and 15 assists in 123 games (116 starts).
For the Lions, Shea played in 46 matches (39 starts), scoring three goals and recording six assists. The 26-year-old also has 34 caps for the U.S. men’s national team.
City defeated Saint Louis FC 3-1 in a preseason finale Saturday night. Shea did not see time on the field.
