Sounders sign Jeff Parke, finally

by Jeremiah Oshan on May 13, 2010 3:38 PM PDT in Sounders: MLS Regular Season

The Sounders and Jeff Parke have finally agreed on a contract.

Seattle first selected Parke in the expansion draft, but he instead opted to play for the Vancouver Whitecaps. They brought him back this year, only to have him leave camp, once again, without a contract.

"We're excited to have Jeff Parke finally join the Sounders," said Sigi Schmid. "He is a very tough, hard-nosed defender who should help our team's defensive efforts."

The former Red Bulls defender will be added to the roster and will be available to play pending receipt of International Transfer Certificate.

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I wonder what that means for our current defense. I believe he is starting caliber. Or maybe this is a safety deposit for when Marshall retires?

by chrisperry1983 on May 13, 2010 3:54 PM PDT reply actions

You have to wonder

If Marshall isn’t 100% right now.

by blakec on May 13, 2010 5:30 PM PDT up reply actions

He's old too, wouldn't be surprised if he retired next season

by chrisperry1983 on May 14, 2010 7:55 AM PDT up reply actions

Good question

I don’t know that much about him. Is he really better than Marshall or Ianni?

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by Jeremiah Oshan on May 13, 2010 3:59 PM PDT reply actions

He was the anchor of RBNY's defense

Ironman award at NY, named unsung player of the year by soccer media (not sure if that’s an actual legit award or not?) and can move to a midfield role if needed. His rep took a hit for the steroid case and disappeared off the map. Tried and didn’t make it in Europe a couple times. Been off the radar since being in Vancouver. He was one of the lone shining players in the Portland game in March. Confident on the ball, good awareness of what’s going on around him…etc etc.

I think he’s only 27 or 28, so he’s got some years left in him to. This is a killer signing.

by chrisperry1983 on May 13, 2010 4:11 PM PDT up reply actions

goodbye Marshall

i would guess that Marshall will be replaced. since Parke is a better presence outside rather than in.

by chinsmd on May 13, 2010 4:00 PM PDT reply actions

or maybe Riley

after all, didn’t we leave Riley unprotected last year…..

by chinsmd on May 13, 2010 4:00 PM PDT up reply actions

right back

I can see parke playing right back for riley. I think he played there for a time during the portland friendly and he did well.

by DarthGreedo on May 13, 2010 4:11 PM PDT via mobile reply actions

Parke was a CB on a 3 man line

He’s capable of CB, RB and CDM in stretches. He was in Red Bull’s Best XI for the decade as well.

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by Dave Clark on May 13, 2010 4:15 PM PDT reply actions

Forgot about the Best XI

by chrisperry1983 on May 13, 2010 4:31 PM PDT up reply actions

as in, I forgot

by chrisperry1983 on May 13, 2010 4:31 PM PDT up reply actions

Between the steroids and the fighting with teammates, Jeff Parke will be a valuable addition to the Sounders back four.

by Benjamin Massey on May 13, 2010 4:16 PM PDT reply actions

so now i wonder if they are gonna cut a DM now since ianni and parke are capable of CDM especially with alonso out.

by gstommylee on May 13, 2010 4:42 PM PDT reply actions

They don't need to cut anyone

The roster wasn’t full

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by Dave Clark on May 13, 2010 5:16 PM PDT up reply actions

I’m aware of that. Should been more clear i was wondering when the roster gets full if they would cut at least of the DM’s

by gstommylee on May 13, 2010 5:17 PM PDT up reply actions

SoundersFC.com

Lists the roster at 24. Is it not full b/c there are some players on injured reserve?

by nickj116 on May 13, 2010 6:53 PM PDT up reply actions

Two IRed 1 spot open. (it doesn’t list fucito and Jaqua being IRed)

by gstommylee on May 13, 2010 6:57 PM PDT up reply actions

probably PBP and Ianni most hurt by this signing.

by blakec on May 13, 2010 5:29 PM PDT reply actions

Actually now i think of hit Seattle doesn’t need 9 defenders and since Parke could play some at RB. We could either cut/trade Wahl or Scott.

by gstommylee on May 13, 2010 5:48 PM PDT up reply actions

No matter where he fits in, the Sounders just got a very good player

But if I had to guess, this signing, along with the “that leash just broke” comment by Sigi, seems like a pretty clear message being sent to our favorite Jamaican

by Nick S on May 13, 2010 5:32 PM PDT reply actions

Yea. I can see Parke being Marshall’s replacement.

by gstommylee on May 13, 2010 5:39 PM PDT up reply actions

I'm note sure what the plans are here

or if their is an intended message recipient, but I do like that players may now not feel so comfortable about their spots in the line-up.

by PeterJH on May 13, 2010 5:36 PM PDT reply actions

err, "if there is..."

I need to learn to proof read before hitting that button

by PeterJH on May 13, 2010 5:37 PM PDT up reply actions

Alright! Champions League depth!

Gives the Sounders 4 playable centerbacks for, hopefully, the 8+ extra games.

Draw for the CL playin round is the 19th. I’m excited to see who is drawn to play Seattle.

He didn't go.

by BUCKETSinSB on May 13, 2010 6:57 PM PDT reply actions

I could see Parke playing some RB during CCL/open cup.

by gstommylee on May 13, 2010 6:57 PM PDT up reply actions

Notable is that Jeff Parke has been fouled

more than he has fouled in MLS.

He’s committed 123 fouls and been fouled 124 times.

I am not a Supporter | I am not a Fan | I am a Sounder
Sounder At Heart

by Dave Clark on May 13, 2010 9:02 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs

While Parke has been a good defender

He’s never been a part of a good defense.

The Red Bulls with Parke never gave up fewer than 41 goals. They never finished higher than 9th of 12 teams in ranking.

They basically remained static in 2009 without Parke with 47 Goals Against in 2009 and 48 in 2008. Both seasons they were at the bottom defensively. Even the WhiteCaps had a sub-par defense, though Parke wasn’t with them for but 11 matches.

Parke is in middle of his peak years as a CB though.

I am not a Supporter | I am not a Fan | I am a Sounder
Sounder At Heart

by Dave Clark on May 13, 2010 9:30 PM PDT reply actions

Good to have Parke

I was expecting him to be long gone by now, but this is a nice surprise. Hopefully this helps our defensive problem… either by “scaring” others into playing better or him to actually play and be an improvement.

by majora999 on May 14, 2010 5:55 AM PDT reply actions