Former St. John’s University soccer player Tim Parker has been called up to training camp for the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) on Jan. 6, becoming the third former player in school history to be called into action by the national team.
Parker just finished an impressive rookie year in the MLS with Vancouver Whitecaps FC, before getting the call to train for the USMNT.
In all, 23 players were called into training, which will be held in Carson, Calif., from Jan. 11 to Feb. 6. The camp concludes with friendly matches against Iceland on Jan. 31 and Canada on Feb. 5.
“We are extremely proud of Tim and wish him the best of luck,” said Dr. Dave Masur, St. John’s head coach. “He has worked very hard on all facets of his game and this is a well-deserved opportunity for him.”
Parker was the first-ever Red Storm player to be chosen in the first round of the Major League Soccer (MLS) SuperDraft, being selected 13th overall by Vancouver Whitecaps FC following his career as a four-year starter for St. John’s.
The defender appeared in 79 of the Red Storm’s 80 games in his career and made 78 starts. He finished his college career with four goals, including two game-winners, and four assists, while anchoring a defense that posted 30 shutouts. Parker helped lead St. John’s to three straight NCAA Tournament appearances (2011-13) and the 2011 BIG EAST Tournament title.
After joining Vancouver Whitecaps FC, Parker made 25 appearances, including 22 starts, across all regular season and postseason competitions as a rookie. He finished with two goals, both of which were scored outside of MLS action.
Parker appeared in 15 games, including 14 starts, in regular season play for Vancouver and ranked 13th on the team with 1,262 minutes played. He helped his team finish third in the Supporters’ Shield standings with a record of 16-13-5, good for 53 points. Parker started both legs of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Seattle Sounders FC as part of the Audi 2015 MLS Cup Playoffs.
The rookie scored his first professional goal in a 1-1 CONCACAF Champions League draw against Seattle Sounders FC. Parker also helped Vancouver secure the team’s first-ever Voyageurs Cup, with a goal in a 2-0 victory against the Montreal Impact in the Amway Canadian Championship.
