American soccer player
Michael Dominic DeShields
(born April 23, 1998) is a Trinidadian
soccer
player who plays as a
defender
who currently plays for
USL Championship
side
Pittsburgh Riverhounds
.
Career
[
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]
Early life
[
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]
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
[
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]
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]
International
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]
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.
[13]
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
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]
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
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]