Your Newest Sounder: Jeff Parke
It’s official. Defender Jeff Parke has signed with Sounders FC and will be wearing Rave Green.
The Sounders selected the defender in the 2008 Expansion Draft. After 18 months of negotiations that saw the Pennsylvania native try for a contract in Belgium and then spot time in Vancouver, then retrying to earn a spot in the Emerald City this spring, Parke and the Seattle front office have reached a contract agreement.
He will join the team next Tuesday, May 18th.
Official Release
RENTON, WASH. – The Seattle Sounders FC have signed defender Jeff Parke, it was announced today. Per Major League Soccer and club policy, terms were not disclosed. Parke will officially be added to the Sounders FC roster and be available for selection pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC).
Parke, 28, was selected by Seattle in the 2009 MLS Expansion Draft however, he opted to sign with the Vancouver Whitecaps, then a member of the United Soccer Leagues First Division, for the 2009 season. In one season for Vancouver, he made 11 appearances.
“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.”
Parke was drafted out of Drexel University by New York Red Bulls in the 2004 MLS SuperDraft. From 2004 to 2008 Parke was a fixture of the New York Red Bulls backline, playing 132 matches for the club.
In 2006 Parke started a career-high 31 games and was named New York Red Bulls Ironman of the Year, logging in a team-high 2,771 minutes.
Parke will begin training with Seattle on Tuesday, May 18.
Transaction: Seattle Sounders (MLS) – Signed D Jeff Parke
Position: Defender
Height: 6-1
Weight: 185
Birthdate: 3/23/1982
Hometown: Abington, Pennsylvania
College: Drexel University
Last Club: Vancouver Whitecaps (USL)
