Shaq Moore FC Dallas Defender #18 Strengthening the Backline in MLS

Alright, let’s talk about Shaq Moore—the man wearing number 18 for FC Dallas and a big reason their back line’s gotten so much buzz lately. You want to know what’s changed for Dallas? Just watch Moore, the defender who’s as steady as they come.

Shaq Moore holds down the right-back spot for FC Dallas and he’s also played for the United States on the international stage. He brings a mix of experience, athleticism, and a calm that you just don’t see every day in MLS.

Moore’s journey to Dallas isn’t your average story. He grew up in Powder Springs, Georgia, made his pro debut at just 18, and now he brings years of international play—including U.S. Men’s National Team appearances—to the club.

His showing at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and his current form keep him in the spotlight for both the league and his country. If you want the full rundown on his stats and career, check out the FC Dallas website and his U.S. Soccer profile.

Let’s run through some quick numbers for Shaq Moore:

Season	Club	Appearances	Goals
2024	FC Dallas	21	0
2018-2024 (Intl)	USMNT	19	1

With Moore holding things down in defense, you get skill and consistency every single match.

Shaq Moore’s Role at FC Dallas

Shaq Moore lines up at right-back, and he’s built a reputation for his work rate and defensive awareness in MLS.

He wears number 18, and his international experience and technical skill make him a core part of the FC Dallas defense.

Defensive Position and Style

You’ll see Moore mostly at right-back, one of the toughest spots on the field. He focuses on strong defense, quick recovery runs, and smart positioning.

That’s how he shuts down opponents trying to push down his side.

Moore takes pride in one-on-one defending. He reads passes well and rarely loses out on pace.

Watch a Dallas game and you’ll notice his timing on tackles and his habit of sneaking into midfield.

He often intercepts passes and stops counterattacks, working with guys like Herbert Endeley and FC Dallas Academy grads. Moore keeps his cool under pressure, especially in those frantic moments in the box.

Jersey Number and Significance

Moore rocks the number 18, which fits his steady, unfazed style in defense. In soccer, numbers can mean a lot, but 18 is a favorite for fullbacks who value consistency over flash.

You don’t hear much debate about defender numbers, but for Moore, 18 is part of his identity in MLS and with the USMNT.

The number signals his “get the job done” approach—he’s about the team, not the spotlight.

It’s not a legendary FC Dallas number, but Moore’s redefining what it means. He’s raising the bar for what fans expect from a starting right-back.

Recent Performances

Look at the 2024–2025 season—Moore’s become a fixture in the FC Dallas starting lineup. He got the call for the U.S. Men’s National Team training camp in January 2025, which says a lot about his form.

His fitness and focus have been crucial all year.

Here’s a snapshot of his 2024 MLS season:

Statistic	Value
Matches Played	21
Starts	19
Minutes Played	1,690
Tackles Per Game	2.4
Interceptions	31
Clearances	43

This kind of consistency keeps Moore locked in as a key piece of Dallas’ back line. The coaches trust him to handle some of the league’s trickiest wingers, and he keeps Dallas in the fight during big matches.

Key Contributions to the Team

Moore does way more than just block shots and win tackles. His experience with club and country helps him lead the back line, organize the defense, and guide younger FC Dallas Academy players.

If you’re watching from the stands, you’ll see him communicating, waving guys into position, keeping everyone locked in.

He steps up in high-pressure moments, whether it’s late in a tight match or during knockout rounds. Moore rarely coughs up the ball and he’s comfortable moving it to midfield or starting a counterattack.

Against the top MLS teams, Moore often breaks up the opposition’s best attacking moves. His calm and tactical awareness lift the whole group.

Since Moore arrived, Dallas looks tougher to break down and more dangerous on the counter. If you want to dig deeper into his club role, check out his FC Dallas player profile.

Early Life and Background

Shaq Moore’s roots as a pro soccer defender go back to his hometown and family. There’s a lot to unpack about where he was born, what life was like growing up in Powder Springs, and how his early days in Georgia set him up for the future.

Date of Birth and Birthplace

Shaquell Kwame Moore—better known as Shaq Moore—was born on November 2, 1996, in Powder Springs, Georgia.

Powder Springs is just outside Atlanta, part of Cobb County. That’s where Moore’s soccer story starts.

Here’s a quick look at the early details:

Detail	Information
Full Name	Shaquell Kwame Moore
Date of Birth	November 2, 1996
Birthplace	Powder Springs, Georgia, United States
Youth Clubs	IMG Academy (Florida), local clubs

From day one, Moore’s southern roots shaped his identity as a player.

Growing Up in Powder Springs

Growing up in Powder Springs meant being part of a tight community that cared about sports and school. Moore’s family, especially his dad Wendell—a former Trinidadian international—gave him the structure and support to chase his soccer dreams.

You could see Moore’s drive on the local fields and parks. He sharpened his skills by going up against older players and local talent.

The city’s suburban vibe gave him stability, while being near Atlanta brought in a wider mix of sports influences. Honestly, that’s a pretty good setup for a young athlete.

Soccer Beginnings in Georgia

Moore’s soccer journey started on the fields and with clubs around Georgia. He played for top youth programs before heading to IMG Academy in Florida—a move a lot of rising stars from the Southeast make.

While at IMG, he got more serious training and started playing at a national level, which set him apart. Those early matches in Georgia helped Moore compete and get noticed by scouts.

The youth soccer scene in Georgia, with its good coaching and tough competition, played a big role in shaping Moore’s confident, adaptable style. You could see those traits before he ever put on the number 18 for Dallas.

If you want more on Moore’s background, check his FC Dallas player profile.

Professional Club Career Timeline

Shaq Moore’s pro path shows a lot of grit, smart moves, and steady growth. Each stop—from Spain to Dallas—helped shape the defender he is today.

Youth and Early Professional Debut

Moore grew up in Powder Springs, Georgia, learning the game in the U.S. youth system. Even as a teen, you could spot his technical skills and soccer IQ.

Europe was the next step.

At 18, Moore made his pro debut with CF Huracán Moncada in Spain’s lower leagues. That first taste of European soccer gave him valuable experience.

Adjusting to a new culture and style wasn’t easy, but it built the calm, reliable defender you see now.

Time at Huracán and Levante

After his debut with Huracán Moncada in 2015, Moore’s career picked up steam. Levante UD, known for developing young talent, brought him in.

He joined Atlético Levante UD, Levante’s B team, and played right-back.

His stint with Levante’s setup was huge for his growth. Moore’s steady defending, speed, and energy helped him climb the ranks.

While with Atlético Levante, he adapted to tougher competition and showed coaches he could hang with Spain’s top young players.

Experience in LaLiga2 and La Liga

Moore’s persistence paid off—he moved up to Levante’s first team. He played in LaLiga2, then got minutes after Levante returned to La Liga.

That put him up against some of the best attackers around.

Moore logged time in league and cup matches, soaking up the intensity of Spain’s top division. Every game was a test, and it sharpened his positioning and decision-making.

He didn’t always start, but coaches trusted him in big spots. That says a lot about his attitude and skill.

Professional Appearances in Spain

Club	Years	League	Appearances	Goals
Huracán Moncada	2015	Tercera Div.	7	0
Atlético Levante	2016-2017	Segunda B	41	2
Levante	2017-2019	La Liga	6	0

Transitions: Tenerife, CF Reus Deportiu, and Real Oviedo

When Levante chances dried up, Moore moved to CD Tenerife in LaLiga2, looking for regular playing time. Getting on the field every week at Tenerife helped his confidence and showed he could be a starting right-back.

A loan to CF Reus Deportiu interrupted his Tenerife run, but financial trouble at Reus brought him back sooner than planned. Moore bounced back and delivered solid performances on both ends of the pitch.

Later, a loan to Real Oviedo gave him another challenge and more big-game minutes. Moore’s work rate and adaptability kept him valuable wherever he landed.

International Career and National Team Honors

Shaq Moore’s international journey shows steady consistency and big moments on the big stage. He’s earned caps in top tournaments, battled tough opponents, and stepped up for the United States when it counted.

Matches with USMNT

Alright, let’s talk about Shaq Moore—a defender who’s really carved out a spot with the U.S. Men’s National Team. He got his first call-up back in 2018 and just kept stacking up appearances after that.

By 2025, he’s hit 19 caps, and honestly, he’s become a steady hand at right-back.

Moore’s defensive skills have gone up against some tough competition. He’s jumped in as a starter or come off the bench, whatever the squad needs.

Whether it’s a must-win qualifier or just a friendly, Moore brings discipline and tactical smarts. Coaches keep calling his number, and his work earned him another spot in the USMNT January camp for 2025.

Let’s take a look at his international numbers:

Year	Appearances (Caps)	Goals	Assists
2018	1	0	0
2021	8	1	0
2022	4	0	0
2023	3	0	1
2024	2	0	0
Total	19	1	1

Moore bagged his lone international goal in a Gold Cup group stage game.

Tournament Participation: FIFA World Cup and Gold Cup

If you remember the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Moore made the squad. He stepped onto the pitch in that memorable 0-0 draw with England and the gritty 1-0 win over Iran.

He didn’t always start, but when the U.S. needed defensive depth, Moore answered the call.

Back in 2021, he played a big part in the CONCACAF Gold Cup run, picking up his first international trophy. And hey, Moore made some history—he scored the fastest goal in USMNT Gold Cup history, just 20 seconds into a group match.

That’s the kind of moment that makes you sit up and pay attention.

Contests Against Trinidad and Tobago and Soca Warriors

Whenever the U.S. faces Trinidad and Tobago, there’s a little extra on the line. For Moore, these matches have been pretty meaningful.

High stakes, especially in qualifiers, right?

Moore’s stepped into those games with real purpose. In the 2021 Gold Cup, he helped lock down a 6-1 win over the Soca Warriors.

His play in these matchups has helped the U.S. keep control in the region and avoid any repeat of that painful 2018 qualifying miss.

There’s even a family connection here—Moore’s uncle, Richard Goddard, played for Trinidad and Tobago’s national team. That adds a personal twist when Moore lines up against them.

Impact at the Copa América

Now, Copa América is a rare test for the U.S. against South America’s best. In 2024, Moore made the roster—a sign the coaches trust him.

At Copa América, Moore filled in wherever needed along the back line. His ability to adapt let the staff rotate defenders and keep things stable.

He matched up with some of the continent’s top attackers and handled the pressure, even if he didn’t always start.

Late in games, when things got tense, Moore’s presence gave the team extra security. That Copa América experience? It just adds to his reputation as a defender who can hang with the world’s best.

If you want the full story, check out Moore’s USMNT profile and his stats on Transfermarkt.

MLS and GAM Transfer Details

Let’s shift to club action. Shaq Moore’s move to FC Dallas was a big MLS trade, with General Allocation Money in the mix.

Breaking down the details helps you see how Dallas builds its squad and how MLS clubs use allocation money to get the edge.

Acquisition by FC Dallas

On December 27, 2024, FC Dallas picked up right back Shaq Moore from Nashville SC.

The deal? $50,000 in 2025 General Allocation Money (GAM), plus up to $100,000 more if Moore hits certain performance marks. Nashville could cash in more if he delivers.

Moore signed a two-year contract with Dallas, and there’s a club option for a third. Nashville held onto a sell-on percentage if Moore moves abroad.

At 27, Moore brought two seasons of Nashville experience—50 MLS games, three assists. Now he’s in Dallas, wearing number 18, bringing international know-how and flexibility to the back line.

You can get the official details from the FC Dallas announcement.

Shaq Moore Recent MLS Stats

Season	Club	Appearances	Assists	Caps for USMNT
2023	Nashville SC	27	2	19
2024	Nashville SC	23	1	—

General Allocation Money Explained

General Allocation Money, or GAM, is one of those MLS quirks. It lets teams lower a player’s salary hit or sweeten trades.

You’ll see it pop up in deals like Moore’s move to Dallas.

Teams can trade GAM, which gives them more room to sign players or tweak the roster. In this case, Dallas sent up to $150,000 in GAM to Nashville—some guaranteed, some based on incentives.

This kind of deal is pretty standard in MLS. It helps clubs manage risk and chase results.

For Dallas, using GAM is a way to build a strong team while staying under the league’s salary cap. Moore’s trade is a perfect example of how teams use these rules to get better.

Want to dig deeper? The Nashville SC release breaks it down.

Key Highlight Moments and Records

Shaq Moore’s time in MLS has given us some real highlight-reel moments. He’s the kind of player who steps up when it matters most.

Fastest Goal Achievement

Let’s not forget Moore’s claim to fame—scoring one of the fastest goals in USMNT history. In the Gold Cup against Canada, July 18, 2021, he put the ball in the net just 20 seconds in.

That early strike set the tone and lifted the U.S. to a 1-0 win.

It’s not just about speed—it’s about making a statement. That goal still pops up in highlight reels, and you don’t see many defenders with that on their resume.

Key Stats Table

Date	Opponent	Tournament	Time to Goal	Final Score
07/18/2021	Canada	Gold Cup	20 seconds	1-0

Notable Matches and Memorable Plays

Moore’s reputation comes from more than just that one goal. He’s put together a string of strong performances for club and country.

He’s known for timely tackles, smart headers, and always being in the right spot.

Since joining FC Dallas, Moore’s grown into a leader at the back. He wears number 18 and usually locks down the right side.

You’ll catch him breaking up attacks and sparking counters. He’s had standout games against top clubs, showing off his defensive instincts and ability to keep cool under pressure.

Coaches and teammates trust him to handle the big moments.

Comparisons and Connections

Moore’s MLS journey has been something to watch. He’s adapted, learned, and built a reputation as a reliable defender.

Nashville SC and Other MLS Clubs

Before Dallas, Moore played for Nashville SC, where he added depth and experience to their defense.

That move from Nashville to Dallas? He handled it with ease, showing his versatility at right back.

At both stops, Moore delivered strong defensive play and made those overlapping runs that keep opponents guessing.

His numbers back it up—he’s a team-first guy who does the dirty work.

Here’s a quick look at his recent MLS regular season stats:

Club	Appearances	Assists	Tackles/game	Key Passes
Nashville SC	26	2	2.1	0.9
FC Dallas	18	1	2.3	1.1

Those stats show consistency, especially on defense. Moving between clubs has only sharpened his game.

Now, Dallas gets the benefit of his playoff experience and big-match mentality.

Relationship with Teammates and Coaches

Inside the FC Dallas locker room, Moore really pops off the page for his communication and leadership on the pitch. He builds strong connections with the central defenders and keepers, and you can see that defensive coordination just comes naturally to him.

You’ll catch Moore encouraging the younger guys, giving them that steady support when things get tense. It’s the kind of presence you want in tough matches.

Moore’s also figured out how to mesh with the FC Dallas coaching style. The staff likes his tactical discipline, and he’s quick to pick up on match plans.

His time at Nashville SC? That gave him a whole new perspective on coaching philosophies. Now, he bridges the gap between coaches and players, which isn’t something every player can pull off.

Team chemistry—let’s be honest, it’s huge. Moore’s inclusive attitude has earned real respect from both teammates and coaches.

You see how he blends professionalism with a down-to-earth vibe, helping create a positive team environment while still holding everyone to high performance standards.