We first saw him play in the ICC a few years ago, now Fisco Texas product, Keaton Parks will be with NYCFC for the near future. This permanent transfer from a very important club in Portugal, SL Benfica runs against the typical thoughts of MLS being a retirement league as he is just 22. Given his age, I have not a clue as to why he is not called into at least the U-23 USMNT camps on a more regular basis. Watching him play throughout last season, his breakthrough game was at my alma mata, St. John's in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup facing NCFC, leaves me scratching my head on this. Last year he was on loan and had 26 games good for a pair of goals to go with a trio of assists over all games.
Keaton stated "I'm really excited to be back at New York CIty FC on a permanent basis. My first season in New York was incredible, and with most of the guys returning, I know 2020 will be an even better year for the club. Since day one, all of the staff and players have treated me like family. NYCFC really feel like home for me and I know it's the right place for me during this stage in my career. Staying with the Club will help my growth as a professional. I think I played well in 2019 and earned my spot in the starting eleven, but heading into 2020, I'm ready to fight to keep my place and help push this team foward to bigger things. My goal this year is simple-I want to win a trophy. We definitely have the talent to win one and that's what I want to do with NYCFC. I'm confident we have the squad to do it." Wow that was a lot, I may have never written out the entire quote from anyone before.
Parks was of course a big piece in the midfield last season and keeping him was big for the team over this offseason.
NYCFC Sporting DIrector David Lee added "Getting Keaton back on a permanent basis was one of our main priorities and we're happpy to complete the deal before the team leaves for preseason. He displayed his quality as a player on the pitch, and off he was an incredible presence in our locker room. Keaton's potential as a professional is extremely high. Keaton is not only a player that helps up compete for titles in 2020, but can also be a foundation piece of this Club for many years to come."
Throughout the playoff push over the last half of the year, he came to be a big part of creating the gap between NYCFC and the rest of their conference, leading to their first Eastern Conf. title, most points and fastest playoff qualification. As mentioned he struck for a brace in the NCFC game, followed by a pair of assists as NYCFC reached the quarters in the largest soccer tourney in the states, one of the oldest world wide.
NYCFC HC Ronny Deila informed "When I watch Keaton, I see a very skilled player with extreme confidence on the ball. I'm looking forward to getting to work with him for years to come."
He had been posting many things from the states prior to inking his deal via his social media. This I found curious as the play in Europe was in full swing. His re upping with NYCFC is great for all.