parke no longer a red bull

Image by Getty Images via Daylifeit was an bad way to go after such a great season, but jeff parke is no longer a new york red bull any more.

this season saw parke move up in more ways than one: he is right at the top in the number of games played for the new york club ever (second all-time), and he became a regular starter and dependable central defender. this after being picked last in the draft 4 years ago.

he scrapped his way into playing time, fought his way into being a starter, and earned his spot and the recognition that came with it. he has become a great central defender.

of course, after all that, he ended his season with a drug suspension and missed our incredible run through the playoffs and into the mls cup.

on wednesday (who in the mls front office thought that the expansion draft should be held the day before thanksgiving?), parke was picked by the seattle sounders.

parke was always one of my favorite red bulls, and his presence in the back will be missed. best of luck jeff.

Related articles by Zemanta

• Red Bulls' Parke apologizes for suspension