Parks and recreation in Lisbon: Keaton at NYCFC (on loan from Benfica)

In this one instance, correlation definitely equals causation. Stupid Varzim!

 

Gets another start vs União da Madeira.

Varzim SC XI: Paulo Vítor; Lima Pereira; Sandro; Keaton; Rui Costa; Jean F.; Denot; N. Agra; Estrela; R. Coentrão; Eder;

— Handyman (@TTNHandyman) November 6, 2016

 

Went 90 in a come from behind win over União. Goals came at 73' and 85'. FT 2 - 1.

 

He did well in the move that bore the first goal and a direct assist for the late winner. Won a header around middle of the pitch and sent it into the path of the striker who did well to score.

 

Keaton is getting some press interest in Portugal. Mostly as a novelty during the US presidential elections.

Keaton Parks: o primeiro americano da história do Varzim
(probably no translation necessary )

http://maissemanario.pt/keaton-parks-o-primeiro-americano-da-historia-do-varzim/


Keaton Parks is the first North American player in the history of Varzim, having arrived three years ago at the club, where he has evolved from the juniors to the senior team. The midfielder followed with some attention the elections in his country, but he pointed out that it is with the ball in his feet that he feels better, and so he did not even vote to choose between Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump.

O republicano que finta* a política

The Republican who sidesteps Politics

*interesting choice of words. The best translation of "finta" is feint as in basketball.

http://www.jn.pt/mundo/interior/o-republicano-que-finta-a-politica-5483130.html

Keaton Parks is the son of Republicans but says he was taught to evaluate people despite the party. The Varzim player chose not to vote.

*** Long article follows saying, essentially, the same as above with more words. There are some nice bits though. Can't help but think that he is winning admiration with his moderation.

 

Keaton starts in Round 4 of the Taça de Portugal.
Varzim SC vs Sporting da Covilhã

XI #VarzimSC: Paulo Cunha; Sandro, Keaton, Neta, Rui Costa, Jean, Delmiro, Olímpio, Agra, Estrela y Eder.

— Fútbol Portugal © 🇵🇹 (@FutbolPortugal) November 13, 2016

 

Visitors scored early and Varzim couldn't pull it back.

#TaçadePortugal | ¡FINAL! #VarzimSC 0 - 1 #SCCovilhã [Harramiz 19']

— Fútbol Portugal © 🇵🇹 (@FutbolPortugal) November 13, 2016

 

Starts again:

#ledmanligapro

Já se joga o Porto B x Varzim.

Eis o nosso onze:
Paulo Vítor, Sandro, Keaton, Rui Costa, Jean,... https://t.co/NxwjNqYlQL

— Varzim Sport Club (@VSC1915) November 23, 2016

 

Yank on Yank baby!

 

Final score 1 - 1.

I'll copy this to both threads as it was YA vs YA.

I caught the second half. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Porto had the edge in possession and shots on goal but Varzim played a very organized defend and counter game. Keaton was the youngest on the field for VSC and one of the better players. Pressed well on defense and was a frequent and reliable outlet from the back. He played as a RM and most of Porto's attack came down the opposite flank through Kayembe. He had a good run into the box but was convincingly muscled and tackled out by none other than EPB. He also had a run to the far post on a set piece that looked promising but seemed to have been tripped in the box - no call. Subbed out at 86'.
EPB got beat on the equalizer. To be fair, it was a beautiful through ball that caught the entire defense napping. In general, the CB tandem of EPB and Chidozie was a thing to behold. I could easily see them some day as the best CB tandem in the CL.

 

Starts vs Vitória SC:

Varzim SC XI: Paulo Vítor; Sandro; Keaton; Rui Costa; Jean F.; Delmiro; L. Olímpio; D. Barcelos; Renna; N. Agra; Estrela;

 

Fun fact - that's ex-Orlando City midfielder Estrela.

 

On the bench for the League Cup match. Makes sense as he just played two days ago.

Suplentes #VarzimSC: Paulo Vítor, Jean, Nélson Agra, Keaton, Estrela, Rui Costa, Mailó.

— Fútbol Portugal © 🇵🇹 (@FutbolPortugal) November 29, 2016

 

Two early injuries for Varzim have forced subs. Keaton in at 39'. Still tied 0 - 0. Keaton hit the post on what appears to be Varzim's best chance yet.

 

Jefferson scores in the absolute last minute, 90 + 4, to give Varzim the win!

#TaçaCTT | ¡FINAL! #VarzimSC 1 - 0 #VitóriaFC [Jeferson 90'+4]

— Fútbol Portugal © 🇵🇹 (@FutbolPortugal) November 29, 2016

 

The Portuguese League Cup is currently in a single round robin group stage. Varzim has two more games in Group A and next up is a trip to Sporting CP. It would be fun to see Parks get on the field in that one.

 

803795737981186048 is not a valid tweet id

 

A Bola, one of Portugal's largest sports dailies, and A Bola TV visited Varzim this week. The subject of their interest? Our very own Keaton Parks!

Esta semana recebemos a visita do jornal A Bola e d' A Bola TV.
Keaton Parks foi o motivo da reportagem. https://t.co/FxXSPXZ3L3

— Varzim Sport Club (@VSC1915) December 1, 2016

 

I don't know much about him as a player. Anyone else familiar enough to give me the run down.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

He's being played as a #8 at Varzim more or less in a partnership with a defensive minded #6. I haven't seen him play a full match so I can't confirm but apparently despite his impressive physical attributes (apprx. 6'4", 164lbs) he very much enjoys getting forward more than he enjoys defending. Growing up he was almost always played in more a #10 role so that's probably the root.

 

Oh wow, I didn't not know he was 6'4. That glide at :03 in the above video is so much more impressive as a soccer giant.

 

Indeed. Not doubting the poster but I would have assumed he was in the 5'9 range. Really impressive feet in the few highlights I've seen for such a big player.

 

The American Pogba.

 

Agreed. @hokeydokey has some cred, tweets as , @babynatsabroad or something like that. Very reliable in my experience.