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August 13, 2018 |
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HARRISON, N.J. - Vancouver Whitecaps FC will welcome a familiar face to B.C. Place on Saturday afternoon as Tim Parker makes his return to Vancouver with his new club, New York Red Bulls. Parker was dealt to New York in a blockbuster trade on March 2, 2018.
Drafted 13th overall in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft, Parker made 76 MLS appearances for Whitecaps FC in 3 seasons. He quickly proved himself to be a sturdy and solid central defender alongside captain Kendall Waston. His trade to New York before the season opener was a surprise.
Did the 25 year-old Parker want out, or did Whitecaps FC force a trade out-of-town?
"It's much more in-depth than I have time to tell." Parker told Red Nation Online following a 2-1 win over LAFC earlier this month.
Coming off a fantastic 2017 campaign where he started 32-matches for Vancouver. It was thought that Parker had asked for a pay increase from his $99,600.00 salary. Sources say Whitecaps FC balked at a large pay increase and thus Parker was eventually traded.
"You can't believe everything you read." Parker said, when asked of the above scenario.
If Whitecaps FC weren't going to offer Parker a new contract at a higher wage, and he knew that all along. Perhaps that knowledge could have been used by Parker and his camp to force a trade to New York, to be closer to family, and friends.
"No, that wasn't necessarily my idea." Parker said, when asked if he forced a move. "I really enjoyed my time in Vancouver. I enjoyed the coaching staff, the coaching staff was great to me."
Vancouver Whitecaps FC have always been known as a tight spending club. They would much rather prefer to scout, develop, and find young up and coming players, as opposed to spending big, and buying flashy top of the market footballers.
A Hicksville, Long Island native, Parker isn't the first player to leave the organization over a contract dispute, and he likely won't be the last player.
Do the Caps value and reward their players?
"I think they do, I think they do." Parker said. "When I decided to leave Vancouver, I was fortunate enough to come home to New York, and come back to my family."
If there was a final straw, ultimatum, or a take it or leave it, Parker won't say. There was no single determining factor as to why he left and New York became his destination.
It all comes down to that familiar adage of fine lines, mixed in with a new experience.
"I think I just needed a change of scenery at that point in time." said, a pestered Parker.
As he gets set to step on the pitch against Vancouver in opposition colours, Parker isn't quite sure what kind of reception he will get from the fans. It will be interesting to see if the Vancouver Southsiders, Curva Collective, and Rain City Brigade welcome him back.
"I don't know." Parker said, of his impending reception. "Hopefully not a bad one. I hope I didn't leave on bad terms. I've heard that I'm still on some buses."
Parker certainly won't be taking Translink to the match, especially if he wants to arrive in time for the 4:00 p.m. kick off. Often athletes say they aren't bothered by boo's. In fact a lot of professionals are inspired, amped-up, and motived when the fans get on them.
Does it matter to Parker if he is boo'd by the B.C. Place faithful that once cheered him?
"I mean Vancouver gave me my chance. I really did enjoy the city, people. I enjoyed the organization and the fans. It doesn't bother me if I get boo'd, but I hope I don't."
It's just part of the business of sport. Parker doesn't hold any grudge, or animosity towards Whitecaps FC, fans, or the city. He's very much looking forward to Saturday.
"No, I don't." A non begrudging Parker said. "To be honest, I do miss Vancouver. It's an amazing city, but... I mean it's not New York."
There is no shading around it. New York Red Bulls with the addition of Parker are an MLS Cup contender. They're 15-6-2, the second team in the table, and they've allowed the fewest goals against (23). Parker is a big reason why the Red Bulls defence is number one.
Veteran goalkeeper, Luis Robles, has spent all 7 seasons playing for the Red Bulls. He has seen many centre-backs come and go. He knows just how much Parker means to the Red Bulls, and how long it took to bring him back to the east coast.
"This offseason we spoke about wanting to get better, and part of that is through free agent signings, transactions that occur before the season, and after the season starts. I know that Jesse (Marsch) had been an admirer of Tim for a long time. It's not just this offseason."
"He's been watching for the last couple of years. I think at least in the background he's always been trying to make a move. I think we're just really fortunate that it worked out for us. That pairing of him and Aaron Long, to me it's not only great for this team, but the future for the U.S. national team. As they continue to work together, they have a great understanding. In my mind, it's not doubt that we've conceded the least amount goals."
"When you have a guy like Tim, he sets the standard, and continues to be consistent, and doesn't cheat anyone. He holds guys accountable, works his tail off, week in, and week out. Then it's no surprise the results have been what they are. I'm just glad that he's on our team. I'm glad that we continue to do well defensively."
Whitecaps FC clearly miss Parker. Vancouver has yet to find a consistent partner for Kendall Waston. The Caps haven't recorded an MLS clean sheet since April 27, and they've allowed the second most goals in the western conference (47). While Parker will be back, it's only for one match, and he will do so in a 'New York State of Mind.'
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