Tim Parker looks at home with Whitecaps

Tim Parker did not look out of place in his first start with the Vancouver Whitecaps – but he was.
The 22-year-old defender was drafted primarily to be a centre back. However, he made his first-ever MLS start at right back. He delivered a solid effort by defending against veterans with seemingly little difficulty, showing signs that he can be big in the air and making smart passes up the pitch as the Caps blanked the Philadelphia Union 3-0 at B.C. Place Stadium.
“It’s a little bit of a new feel but I’m just adjusting,” he said of playing right back. Working with the guys around me made it a lot easier. I’ve played right back in college and I played it here in pre-season for a little bit as well.”
Parker, a 22-year-old Hicksville, N.Y., native, was Vancouver’s top pick (13th overall) in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft. The six-foot-two and 195-pound defender started 79 of the 80 matches for St. John’s University over the past four seasons. Despite his lack of pro experience, Vancouver coach Carl Robinson opted to go with Parker instead of Ethen Sampson and Christian Dean, who also have limited pro experience – but significantly more than him.
“It was a tough decision for me to play (Parker),” said Robinson. “And, I wanted to play Timmy to give him the opportunity. Tim’s going to have to play at some stage, as is Christian Dean. I wanted to get him some minutes to get him acclimatized to the group. Leaving Ethen Sampson out was tough, because Ethen did very well for me last week in Portland. But it’s not about any individual, it’s not about the manager, it’s about the team and the club and the organization. And if I feel it’s right to do it, then I’ll do it. Tim looked like he’s played a few games with them before, didn’t he?”
Indeed, he did. Never mind that Parker is as raw as first-year MLS players can be. (Most MLS first-year players are actually veterans who have played in Europe or elsewhere overseas.) He joined the Whitecaps after a standout career at St. John’s University, where he produced four goals, two game-winners, and four assists, mainly as a central defender on a back line that posted 30 clean sheets. He also helped St. John’s make three straight NCAA tournament appearances (2011-2013) and claim the 2011 Big East Tournament title.
On Saturday, Parker helped the Whitecaps hold off a Union team that started reasonably well but faltered after Vancouver goalkeeper David Ousted made a stupendous save on Andrew Wenger’s close-in volley in the 27th minute.
The Union did not mount much after Ousted’s big moment, largely because Parker and his back-line mates never allowed them to create much from within 30 yards of the Vancouver net.
“He was fantastic today,” said Ousted. “(Parker) came in and he was composed. He did his job very well together with the back four. We kept a clean sheet today. Credit goes to Tim. He played not like a rookie but a seasoned vet.”
Coach Robinson prefers to go with seasoned veterans in league matches, but he goes with a revamped lineup in Canadian championship contests. As a result, Parker could start again Wednesday as the Whitecaps host lower-tier FC Edmonton on Wednesday.
Robinson said he would have no problem starting Parker against the Eddies or in Vancouver’s next league game, either. Parker would no complaints, obviously, about making three straight starts.
The Whitecaps get a chance to begin the Canadian championship semi-final series at home after the would-be first leg in Edmonton last week was postponed due to snow.
“We knew there was a possibility of snow on Wednesday but we didn’t realize there was a possibility of it getting snowed out so it was a little disappointing,” said Parker. “We still have to keep plugging away and waiting for the opportunities. I think now it’s just about taking advantage of the home game. Playing the first leg at home, we have to put the pressure on them and take care of the rest in Edmonton.”
And, there’s a reasonable chance he will be applying some of that pressure.