The Sounders’ defensive shutout of the New York Red Bulls was not the only good news for the club on opening night. Jeff Parke, a central defender and one of Seattle’s top picks in the Expansion Draft, came back to Seattle after a two-month dalliance with free agency in Europe.
However, Parke will have to convince Seattle’s management that he truly wants to be here after leaving for Europe with his contract unsigned, essentially leaving the team hanging. Furthermore, if the club decides to reward him with a contract, Parke will have to sit out his first 10 games due to a drug suspension last year.
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If the Sounders are smart, they will sign Parke right away so he can return to action as soon as possible. A solid starter for New York from 2004-2008, Parke would give the Sounders an extra boost in defense.
At 6-1, 185 pounds, Parke would bring size and steadiness off the bench once his suspension is served. It’s unlikely he would assume a starting role this season unless another member of the defensive unit suffered an injury. Unseating Tyrone Marshall or Jhon Hurtado seems improbable for someone joining the team at least eleven games into the season.
Parke tried out with both Anderlecht and K.V. Mechelen of the Belgian First Division but doesn’t appear to have won a contract to his liking. Parke says the decision to return to Seattle was his own, and he could have remained in Belgium if he’d wanted to.
Parke was suspended last year for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. The drugs he allegedly used were androstatriendione and boldenone metabolites. Parke insists the positive test was due to a tainted over-the-counter supplement he was taking.
Parke turns 27 on Monday and could be eligible to play for the Sounders on April 18, against Chivas U.S.A.
In other news, Sounders forward Fredy Montero has been named the Player of the Week in MLS for his two-goal, one assist performance on opening night. With such an encouraging performance in week 1, Montero will be looking for more glory against Real Salt Lake on Saturday, March 28. The game starts at 7:30 pm at Qwest Field.
Reach Alden Walcon at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
