Michael DeShields

Michael DeShields

Personal information
Full name	Michael Dominic DeShields
Date of birth	(1998-04-23) April 23, 1998 (age 26)
Place of birth	Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
Height	1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)
Position(s)	Defender
Team information
Current team	Hartford Athletic
Number	24
Youth career
	Baltimore Celtic
College career
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2018–2020	Wake Forest Demon Deacons	60	(3)
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2019	Treasure Coast Tritons	7	(1)
2021	New England Revolution II	0	(0)
2021	D.C. United	0	(0)
2021	→ Loudoun United (loan)	14	(0)
2022	New England Revolution II	17	(0)
2023–2024	Pittsburgh Riverhounds	13	(0)
2024–	Hartford Athletic	0	(0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of October 5, 2023

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. ^[2]

References

1. "Maryland Boys Soccer POY: Michael DeShields". USA TODAY. 11 February 2016. Retrieved 8 February 2021.
2. "Michael DeShields - 2019 Men's Soccer Roster". Wake Forest University Athletics. Retrieved 8 February 2021.
3. "US Youth Soccer a common thread among Gatorade State Players of the Year honorees | US Youth Soccer". www.usyouthsoccer.org.
4. "North County United | uslleaguetwo.com". www.uslleaguetwo.com.
5. Czarda, Stephen (30 November 2020). "Michael DeShields Signs with New England Revolution II". Wake Forest University Athletics. Retrieved 7 February 2021.
6. "D.C. United Sign Defender Michael DeShields". mlssoccer.com. February 5, 2021. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
7. "Loudoun United FC vs. New York Red Bulls II - May 18, 2021 | USLChampionship.com". www.uslchampionship.com.
8. Lukat, Carl (May 30, 2021). "Loudoun United earns first win of 2021 season". Loudoun Times. Retrieved July 12, 2021.
9. "DC United's transformation under Hernan Losada continues with roster update | MLSSoccer.com". mlssoccer.
10. "Revolution II sign four players to MLS NEXT Pro roster ahead of the 2022 season". RevolutionSoccer.net. Retrieved 6 February 2022.
11. "New England Revolution II Year-End Roster Update | New England Revolution". revolutionsoccer.net.
12. "Three new signings announced Tuesday".
13. "Hartford Athletic Acquire Michael DeShields From Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC via Transfer". Hartford Athletic. Retrieved 2024-06-28.
14. "Michael DeShields". Hartford Athletic. Retrieved 2024-06-28.
15. "𝗙𝗲𝗻𝘄𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝟮𝟰-𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗦𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗨𝗦𝗔 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗹𝘆". Trinidad & Tobago Football Association. Facebook. 27 January 2021. Retrieved 8 February 2021.