How Acquired:
Via trade from Seattle Sounders FC in exchange for allocation money and a 2013 MLS Supplemental Draft pick.
Previous Clubs:
Seattle Sounders (MLS, 2010-12), New York Red Bulls (MLS, 2004-08), Vancouver Whitecaps (USL-1, 2009)
MLS Experience:
- 2012: Appeared in 30 games, starting 29 registering one assist in a 2-0 win over Vancouver (8/18). Logged 2568 minutes with Sounders FC registering 17 shots (three on goal). He was named the Sounders defender of the year, leading the club to its second straight Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup appearance.
- 2011: Third on the team among field players with 28 starts and 2387 minutes, his highest totals since 2006. Started every game he appeared in. Named MLS Player of the Week after scoring game-winning goal in 93rd minute vs. KC (5/21/11), his first goal since 2004. Named to MLSsoccer.com Team of the Week vs. LA (3/15) and NY (3/19). 38 appearances and 37 starts across all competitions. Registered game-winning assist in U.S. Open Cup Final vs. CHI (10/4).
- 2010: Became a consistent starter in central defense, starting all 20 league appearances. Made 18-man roster vs. SJ (5/22), just nine days after signing with the club, and made first appearance in friendly vs. Boca Juniors (5/26). Debuted for Sounders FC at COL (5/29)and started the remaining 19 games, going 90 minutes in 17. Suffered ankle injury in first round playoff match vs. LA (10/31) and missed second leg. Recorded one assist vs. CHV (10/15). Started 25 of 26 appearances in all competitions, logging 2109 minutes.
- 2008: Appeared in 24 league matches for MLS Cup runner-up New York, including 23 starts. Selected by Sounders FC in the 2008 MLS Expansion Draft.
- 2007: Started 26 games on the backline for New York, recording one assist against DC (6/10). Won the Red Bulls Defender of the Year Award.
- 2006: Quickly became one of the team’s stalwarts on the backline, starting a career-hihg 31 games. Was named Red Bulls Ironman of the Year for logging a team-high 2771 minutes and was Co-Unsung Player of the Year.
- 2005: Started 19 games and recorded one assist.
- 2004: Selected by New York with the 60th and last overall pick in 2004 MLS SuperDraft. Scored only goal of career against SJ (6/12) and recorded first career assist vs. COL (6/30). Saw action in 28 games as a rookie, including 27 starts. Named MetroStars Newcomer of the Year.
Other Professional Experience:
- 2009: Signed a one-year contract with Vancouver Whitecaps of USL First Division on March 31, 2009. Appeared in 11 games for the Whitecaps.
College:
- 2003: Started 16 games for Drexel University in senior year. Scored goal in season-ending win over Hofstra.
- 2002: A Soccer Seven All-Star and a Second Team All-Region selection, finishing third on the team with five goals. Started 19 games and appeared in all 21 contests, scoring two game-winning goals.
- 2001: Started 17 games in the back as a sophomore.
- 2000: Named to America East All-Conference First Team and All-Rookie team in 2000, starting 12 of 14 games played.
High School:
Four-year standout at Downingtown High (Penn.). Three-time All-Chesmont and two-time All-Chester County pick and selected to All-Area as a senior. Member of three league-championship teams and back-to-back state champion teams. Also member of 1999 FC Delco championship squad.
Personal:
Son of Jeff and Carol Parke. An avid golfer and would like to be on the PGA Tour if not for soccer. Appeared in a September 2006 photo spread in Vanity Fair magazine with four of his teammates, modeling fashion inspired by the movie “Taxi Driver.” Favorite musical artists include Pearl Jam and Dave Matthews Band.