Tim Parker

PROFILE
A centre back who had a standout college career at St. John’s University, Tim Parker was selected by Whitecaps FC with the 13th overall pick in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft. He helped lead St. John’s to three straight NCAA Tournament appearances (2011-2013) and the 2011 Big East Tournament title. As a rookie, Parker emerged as a reliable starter for the Whitecaps FC backline that tied for a league-best in clean sheets (13) and goals conceded (36) in 2015. He was ranked 18th on the MLS 24 Under 24 in 2016, and finished the season in the top five across the league in clearances and blocks. In 2017, Parker was named the 2017 WFC Jock MacDonald Unsung Hero.

MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER
2017: Parker started all 32 of his regular season appearances, registering his first MLS goal and assist. He was second in MLS with 86 headed clearances (next only to teammate Kendall Waston), and led the team with 2,880 minutes played, 1,567 touches, 960 successful passes, and 73 aerials won (fifth in MLS). He was named the 2017 WFC Jock MacDonald Unsung Hero after also picking up WFC Player of the Month honours in March and May. He also played every minute of the 'Caps MLS Cup Playoffs run, assisting in the Knockout Round victory over San Jose Earthquakes. 2016: Parker placed second on the team among field players in minutes played (2,551), and tied for second in starts (28) and appearances (29) in the regular season. He finished fourth in MLS in clearances (155) and fifth in blocks (23). Parker was ranked 18th on the annual MLS 24 Under 24 list. 2015: Parker started 14 of his 15 regular season appearances as a rookie, helping Whitecaps FC in becoming a top-tier defensive side in MLS. The young centre back made his MLS debut on May 2 in a 0-0 draw against Portland Timbers at Providence Park. The following week, he made his first MLS start, playing the full 90 minutes at right back in a 3-0 win over Philadelphia Union at BC Place. In the 2015 MLS Cup Playoffs, he started both legs of the Conference Semifinal versus Portland and was named Man of the Match for the second leg. 

CANADIAN CHAMPIONSHIP
2017: Parker made one appearance in the CC, starting the second leg of the semifinal series versus Montreal Impact. 2016: Parker was one of three Whitecaps FC field players to start in three of the 'Caps four ACC matches, starting in each of them. For the second consecutive year, Parker registered a goal in the second leg of the ACC final, this time against Toronto FC. 2015: Parker was the only Whitecaps FC player to start in all four ACC matches as Vancouver won their first-ever Voyageurs Cup. The rookie twice earned a Man of the Match selection. His contributions included an assist on the semifinal winner, while also scoring the winning goal in the championship finale.

CONCACAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
2016-17: Parker was tied for team lead with seven starts and appearances, playing every minute in each, in the 'Caps run to the semifinal. 2015-16: Parker appeared in all four CCL matches, starting in two and scoring the lone goal for the ‘Caps in the 1-1 draw versus Seattle on August 5. The rookie was named Man of the Match on two occasions.  

UNITED SOCCER LEAGUE
2015: Parker started seven matches for Whitecaps FC 2 in the first half of the season before spending most of the latter part of the year with the first team.

COLLEGE
2014: In his senior year with St. John’s University, Parker made 17 starts as the captain for the Red Storm while adding one goal and one assist. Parker earned his third NSCAA All-Region selection. 2013: During his junior season with the Red Storm, Parker started all 20 matches and led the team in total minutes with 1,900 to help lead his squad to nine shutouts and a berth in the NCAA Tournament for a third straight season. Parker added one goal, the game winner against Seton Hall on November 8 in a 5-0 win, as well as one assist on the season. Earned first team NSCAA All-Northeast region, as well as first team All-Big East honours. 2012: Parker earned his first NSCAA All-Region selection to go with second team All-Big East honours. Parker was the Red Storm leader in minutes played with 1,790 in 19 matches helping the team to eight shutouts. Parker scored his lone goal of the season from the spot in the Big East Championship Quarterfinals. 2011: In his rookie season with St. John’s University, Parker was named as a Big East All-Rookie selection after playing over 2,000 minutes, marking his debut in a start August 26 against Maryland. Parker finished the season with one goal and one assist. His lone goal was a memorable one, a game-winner in the Big East tournament first round against Georgetown on November. St John’s went on to win the Big East tournament. 

UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES PREMIER DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE
2012: Started five of his seven appearances for Long Island Rough Riders, recording one assist as his team finished fifth in the Mid Atlantic Division.

INTERNATIONAL
Parker has been called up to the United States senior men's national team twice - a January 2016 training camp in California that included friendlies versus Iceland and Canada, and an October 2016 friendly versus New Zealand, but has yet to make his first appearance. Previously, he was a member of the United States U-18 men’s national team pool. Parker featured for the US U-23 national team, playing the full 90 minutes in a 1-1 draw at Colombia in the Olympic qualifying playoff in March 2016.

YOUTH/AMATUER
While in high school at Hicksville, Parker was a two-time team captain earning NSCAA All-America and NSCAA All-Region II honours as well as second team ESPN RISE All-American and was the Gatorade New York Boys Soccer Player of the Year. Parker scored the game winner in Nassau County Championship as a game and was named Nassau County Player of the Year.

PERSONAL
Timothy Ryan Parker was born in Hicksville, New York. He is the son of Ken and Kathy Parker and has an older brother, Kevin. Parker lists his father as the person he most admires and Osi Umenyiora as his favorite athlete. Parker was majoring in finance while studying at St. John’s University.

INTERESTING FACTS
Two of the four goals Parker scored while playing for St. John's University were game-winners.