Shaq Moore FC Dallas Defender #18 Profile and Season Highlights

Alright, FC Dallas fans—if you’ve been tuning in this season, you’ve probably spotted right-back Shaq Moore rocking the number 18. Shaq Moore gives FC Dallas a reliable boost in defense, and you can’t miss his steady play and strong presence at the back. Folks looking for a dependable defender in Major League Soccer know his name by now.

You might remember Moore from his U.S. Men’s National Team days or his earlier MLS seasons. Now, he’s brought a veteran’s touch and some real leadership to an FC Dallas side that wants to tighten things up in the back.

Game after game, Moore’s shutting down wingers or joining the attack along the right, making his presence felt every week.

If you’re curious about his stats, career journey, or just what makes him so crucial for Dallas, there’s plenty to dig into. His return to the club and that number 18 jersey? It’s all part of a story that keeps growing in this league.

For more on Moore’s background and numbers, check out his FC Dallas profile and get the scoop on his recent move from Nashville SC.

Shaq Moore at FC Dallas

When Shaq Moore returned to FC Dallas, he brought experience, consistency, and a shot of confidence to a defense in transition. He’s one of Major League Soccer’s most reliable right-backs, and his work on and off the ball has given Dallas a needed edge in the 2025 campaign.

Transfer Details

FC Dallas made a move that caught some folks off guard, grabbing Shaq Moore from Nashville SC. They sent up to $150,000 in General Allocation Money—$50,000 guaranteed in 2025, and another $100,000 if Moore hits certain targets.

This deal brought Moore back to the club where he first broke into the pro game. Dallas snagged one of the league’s better veteran defenders without breaking the bank.

Moore arrived with 50 MLS appearances and three assists from his time in Nashville, plus a reputation for being steady. You can check out the details at FC Dallas acquires Shaq Moore from Nashville.

2025 Season Performance

Through the 2025 season, Moore has stood out for his defensive reliability and his willingness to get forward. He’s been a mainstay at right-back, rarely missing a start.

His style isn’t flashy, but the numbers don’t lie—he’s a defender you can trust.

Here’s a quick look at some of his key stats for the year:

Statistic	Value
Appearances	22
Starts	21
Assists	2
Interceptions	34
Tackles Won	48
Clearances	59

Moore logged big minutes against top MLS opponents and stayed in position. He chipped in with assists and helped Dallas close out some really tough matches.

Role in the Defensive Line

Moore anchors the right side of the Dallas back line, offering a kind of stability you just don’t see every day in this league. His experience lets younger guys like Geovane Jesus and Nolan Norris settle in and play their game.

He reads the game well and covers when others step forward.

With Lalas Abubakar and Marco Farfan in the mix, Moore balances out their aggressive style. He brings a calming influence, rarely dives in, and often forces attackers wide or into mistakes.

When he lines up with Sebastien Ibeagha or Herbert Endeley, Moore’s smarts and communication skills really shine. Dallas gets the most out of its depth at the back thanks to him.

FC Dallas Squad Integration

From the jump, Moore fit right in—on the field and in the locker room. His background with the FC Dallas youth academy helped him connect with homegrown players and veterans alike.

The coaching staff leaned on his professionalism to set the tone in training and games.

Moore leads by example. You notice his influence in how the back line stays organized and responds to pressure.

He also helps new signings get comfortable, making sure team chemistry stays strong even as the roster changes.

For the young guys and new arrivals, Moore’s both a mentor and a steady presence. That mix of experience, leadership, and discipline makes him one of the most respected voices in the FC Dallas squad.

Playing Style and Strengths

Shaq Moore has built a reputation as a right-back you can count on for FC Dallas. His game relies on solid defensive instincts, smart passing, and the ability to fill different roles when the team needs it.

Defensive Attributes

You see Moore’s impact as soon as the opposition tries to attack down his side. He’s tough in one-on-one situations and uses quick feet to close down space.

His awareness in the penalty area often keeps FC Dallas out of trouble.

He times his tackles well and doesn’t dive in recklessly. Moore positions his body to force attackers away from goal.

His knack for intercepting passes breaks up plays before they get dangerous, and he rarely gets caught out of position.

In 2025, he’s averaged 2.3 tackles, 1.8 interceptions, and 3.5 clearances per match. That puts him among the most active defenders on the team.

His work rate and calm under pressure have helped Dallas build a solid back line. For more, check out this recent analysis of Moore’s strengths.

Stat	2025 Average per Game
Tackles	2.3
Interceptions	1.8
Clearances	3.5

Offensive Contributions

Defense comes first for Moore, but you’ll see him join the attack when there’s space. He makes well-timed runs up the right, giving Dallas an extra option out wide.

Moore delivers sharp passes and crosses near the final third. This season, he’s chipped in with 2 goals and 2 assists.

He’s not a flashy dribbler, but his quick decisions help Dallas build from the back. You can count on Moore to push forward and still recover his defensive spot in a heartbeat.

That balance is huge. Want the full breakdown of his attacking stats? Head to his player profile.

Versatility on the Field

What really sets Moore apart is his flexibility. Sure, right-back is his main spot, but you’ll catch him filling in at center back or on the left when the situation calls for it.

Coaches love his tactical discipline. Moore follows instructions, shifts his position as needed, and doesn’t get caught out—even when it’s a new role.

That adaptability is clutch, especially when injuries or suspensions force the squad to shuffle.

If you look at Moore’s career, he’s played in back lines all over—MLS, overseas—and he’s handled different systems with maturity.

His mentality makes him a trusted option anywhere across the back, and his utility adds real value to the roster. For more on his versatility, take a look at his Wikipedia profile.

MLS Journey and Nashville SC Experience

Shaq Moore made his name in Major League Soccer with steady play at right back, adaptability, and consistent work with both Nashville SC and FC Dallas. His time in the league shows off his ability to defend, support the attack, and handle the physical grind of MLS.

Impact with Nashville SC

Take a look at Nashville SC’s defense over the last two seasons—Shaq Moore stood out as a constant on the right flank. He became a fixture in the starting lineup.

His tackling, recovery speed, and defensive awareness helped Nashville keep one of the league’s better back lines.

Moore played in 50 regular season MLS matches, picking up three assists during his stint. He supported the offense with overlapping runs and sharp crosses.

Whether he was shutting down top wingers or joining the attack, Moore gave Nashville valuable tactical options.

He also brought international experience from the U.S. Men’s National Team, giving the back line a calm, steady presence. Nashville’s coaches appreciated his professionalism and fit in their system.

Key Stats at Nashville SC

Season	Appearances	Assists	Position
2023-2024	50	3	Right Back

Performance in Major League Soccer

Moore’s skill set fits MLS’s fast-paced style. He matched attackers stride for stride, using his athleticism to recover and his discipline to track runs.

During his time with Nashville SC, he posted high passing accuracy and avoided costly mistakes in his own third.

Moore’s crossing and involvement in buildup play stood out. He ranked near the top among defenders on his team for recoveries and duels won.

Coaches trusted him to take on some of the league’s best attackers.

His steady performances reflect his experience in European leagues before MLS. Moore brought a measured approach and adapted well to the travel and physicality that comes with MLS life.

Transition to FC Dallas

Shaq Moore rejoined FC Dallas via trade from Nashville SC for $50,000 in General Allocation Money, with incentives up to $100,000.

He signed a two-year deal with a club option, making him a key piece for Dallas’s defense.

His return brought much-needed experience to a squad looking to shore up the back line. The move lets Dallas use Moore’s versatility at right back while adding depth and leadership.

Moore’s time in Spain gave him a different perspective, and he’s brought that to the Dallas locker room.

Dallas made sure to integrate Moore early in the lineup. His MLS and international background made him an immediate asset for a team with playoff hopes.

Dallas fans expect Moore to help solidify the defense and add some creativity out wide.

International Career with the USMNT

Shaq Moore’s journey with the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) has seen him step up in big matches, both regionally and globally. He’s played in World Cup fixtures and key Concacaf tournaments, earning a reputation as a reliable option on the international stage.

Debut and Key Matches

Moore’s international career kicked off in 2018, when he debuted for the USMNT at age 21. Since then, he’s picked up over 20 caps, featuring in friendlies and major tournament qualifiers.

He gets called up for crucial international windows and training camps. In January 2025, he joined the USMNT’s winter camp, showing he’s still in the mix.

Moore’s steady defense and willingness to step up in big spots make him a go-to right-back for the national team.

Here’s a quick look at Moore’s USMNT caps and goals:

Year	Appearances	Goals
2018–2025	21	1

2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar

Let’s rewind to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar—what a ride for Shaq Moore. He made the USMNT squad and actually got on the field for two of the biggest matches: that tense 0-0 draw with England and the gutsy 1-0 win over Iran. Those games helped the U.S. get out of the group stage.

Moore faced some real competition, but he kept his cool. He marked tightly, made smart choices, and didn’t let the pressure get to him. Sure, the USMNT bowed out in the Round of 16, but Moore brought much-needed depth to the roster. You could see his composure—he handled those nerve-wracking moments and earned his spot on the world stage.

Concacaf Gold Cup Success

When the Gold Cup rolled around, Moore kept delivering. In the 2021 edition, he started five matches for the USMNT and held down his spot in a defensive unit that powered the team to the title. And who could forget that goal against Canada? He scored just 20 seconds in—a tournament record!

He locked down the right flank against tough teams like Jamaica and Mexico, helping to keep clean sheets when it mattered most. He also picked up key minutes in the 2024 Gold Cup, showing he’s still a reliable tournament guy in tight matches against Panama and Canada. If you want more on his USMNT journey, check his official player page.

European Club Experience

Moore’s path through Spain reads like a travelogue—Levante, Reus, Tenerife, Huracán, Oviedo. He kept learning, adapting, and facing new styles at every stop.

Time at Levante

You could see Moore sharpening his game at Levante. He signed in 2016 and started out with Atlético Levante UD, their reserve team in the lower divisions. He kept grinding and eventually made appearances for both Levante B and the La Liga squad.

In 2017-18, Moore joined a short list of American defenders playing in Spain’s top league. He made his first-team debut and showed off his tackling and overlapping runs. Those matches really tested his speed and decision-making against some of Europe’s best.

Levante Appearances Table:

Season	League	Team	Appearances
2016-2018	Segunda B, La Liga	Atlético Levante, Levante UD	23 reserve, 6 La Liga

That stint at Levante forced Moore to adjust to the pace and skill level of European football.

Loan to Reus

After Levante, Moore packed his bags for CF Reus Deportiu on loan in early 2019. At Reus, playing in the Segunda División, he finally got regular first-team minutes. Facing experienced pros every week tested his defending and quick recovery.

But then things got messy—Reus ran into major financial problems. Moore and his teammates had to deal with contract uncertainty and missed games. Eventually, Reus got kicked out of the league, and Moore had to return to Levante.

That wild stretch wasn’t easy, but it gave Moore a crash course in how unpredictable pro soccer in Spain can be.

Stint with Tenerife

Later in 2019, Moore landed at CD Tenerife. There, in Spain’s Segunda División, he nailed down a regular right-back spot. That stability really helped him grow. Moore became a fixture in the starting lineup, often playing the full 90.

He built a reputation for steady defense, smart interceptions, and even pitching in on attack. His play helped shore up Tenerife’s back line, and coaches and fans started to rely on him.

Tenerife Statistics Table:

Season	League	Appearances	Goals
2019-2022	Segunda División	99	2

Moore proved at Tenerife that he could handle the grind of a competitive European league.

Early Days at Huracán and Oviedo

Before all that, Moore’s European adventure kicked off with brief spells at smaller clubs. At 18, he debuted for CF Huracán Moncada in 2015. Not many Americans play in those Spanish lower divisions, and he got a taste of the gritty side of European soccer—sometimes even dealing with less-than-great facilities.

He also spent time with Real Oviedo’s youth team. That stint gave you a sense of his determination to make it as a pro. Those early challenges helped shape Moore’s work ethic and resilience, setting him up for bigger moves to Levante, Reus, and Tenerife.

If you want to dig deeper into his unique journey, check out his FC Dallas player profile and background at ESPN.

Youth Development and Early Life

Moore’s rise as a defender started long before he went pro. His technical skills, soccer smarts, and strong family roots all played a part.

IMG Academy and Early Training

You’ve probably heard of IMG Academy—it’s a top spot for young athletes in the U.S. Moore went through their program, facing top youth talent every day. That structured environment, with a focus on technique and tactics, helped him master the basics that matter for an elite defender.

At IMG, Moore’s coaches pushed discipline and repetition. He learned to handle higher levels of competition, and you could already see flashes of his future as a pro. That kind of training made him cool under pressure, steady on the ball, and sharp at reading the game.

Here’s a quick look at Moore’s youth development:

Year	Academy	Focus Areas
2013-2014	IMG Academy	Defense, Tactics, Fitness

FC Dallas Academy Roots

After IMG, Moore joined the FC Dallas Academy, which has a knack for producing pros. You can see the Dallas influence in Moore’s sharp positioning and awareness. Training there meant facing big expectations and competing with top U.S. prospects.

Coaches like Richard Goddard pushed Moore to step up his one-on-one defending and support play from the back. Those lessons helped mold Moore into a modern right-back—he gets forward when needed but stays disciplined in defense.

That time at the FC Dallas Academy put Moore on the map for pro opportunities in MLS and overseas. His journey through Dallas showed what it takes to jump from youth soccer to the big leagues, mixing American drive with smart technical play.

Family Background and Heritage

Shaq Moore grew up in Powder Springs, Georgia, right in the heart of a soccer-obsessed family. His dad, Wendell Moore, actually played for the Soca Warriors, Trinidad and Tobago’s national team.

That kind of background? It shaped everything. Moore got advice and encouragement at home every single day. He soaked up the experience of international soccer before he could probably even spell “international.”

But you really can’t get the full picture of Moore without talking about his heritage. Thanks to his Trinidadian roots, he learned a mix of styles—there’s that American speed and drive, sure, but also the creative, technical vibe you see in Caribbean football.

His family kept him grounded. They always pushed him to stay humble and work hard. You can see that in the way he’s climbed the ranks, step by step.

All that support at home, plus his unique background, gave Moore an edge. That’s why, when you watch him, he looks so focused. He handles tough moments with a level head—a rare quality that sets him apart both on and off the pitch.