Here's an old SMU recruiting announcement that describes Parks thusly: Keaton Parks | MF | 6-2 | 160 | Frisco, Texas (Liverpool FC America) Local talent Parks was a four-year letterwinner at Frisco Liberty who earned first-team all-state accolades as a junior and helped his team to a regional final appearance. As part of Liverpool FC America under Armando Pelaez, Parks served as team captain, and went on to play for two years as part of the Liverpool Warriors NPSL team. He was also a member of the '97 North Texas ODP team and competed at the 2011-12 US Soccer Federation Training Center as part of the U17 National Team. Hudson on Parks... Keaton is a player who snuck under the radar in recruiting. We believe that Keaton can develop into a key member of the SMU Soccer program. Keaton is 6-2 and possesses wonderful technique, passing range and vision. Coach Pelaez has allowed Keaton to flourish in a soccer environment that encouraged him to express his creativity and natural gifts. http://www.smumustangs.com/news/2015/2/19/Men_s_Soccer_Adds_Seven_For_2015.aspx More on Parks and his family: http://libertywingspan.com/662/showcase/distance-cant-break-the-parks-bond/ And some old HS footage:
Keaton Parks @keaton_parks highlights https://t.co/llLM3bHN8q— Dallas Cup ⚽️ (@dallascup) December 4, 2016
Not gonna agitate for or against a callup based on clips, but there have been far more obscure U20 callups in recent cycles than a guy already getting professional first-team games before the qualifying tournament even starts. He seems like a great story -- here's hoping it continues.
Obviously, it's a highlight clip -- but everything about it is smooth. It's like watching Ben Hogan's golf swing (and I acknowledge that's a completely hyperbolic statement).
Late to this thread. You guys see that out there, way out there in the distance....? That's the hype train, there it is. Choo choo. High respect for a budding linguist who keeps his Texan drawl.
Kudos also to his coach for giving the kid an option in Portugal. As with everything else in life it's not what you know but who. His DA coach had connections, got him a trial and Varzim saw the talent and took it from there. That's a win all around on the development system here and abroad.
I am agitating for it. Not based on clips but because I have followed this kid since about when he arrived in Portugal. In less than a year he has gone from training with the Juniores, to signing and then playing very well with the B team, to riding the bench for the first team, and now, starting every game for the first team. Many would argue, as well, that he is a key player, if not the best on the first team and this as the youngest on the roster. Additionally, as many have noted, our U-20s really lack a physical, imposing presence in midfield.
Certainly agitate for whatever you want. I haven't seen him play a game, not that anyone particularly cares which players I haven't seen play. More generally, I agree (as I've said already) that calling up a guy with a resume like his wouldn't seem crazy in the context of 2016 U.S. Soccer.
**googles "agitate"** I would like to agitate for @bungadiri to abnegate this thread to the academy whence it belongs.
Keaton was an 88 minute sub in an important 2 - 0 win over Cova da Piedade. Winning goal came via penalty at 100'.
Wait, the WINNING goal came at 100'? When did the second goal occur? Are they using an overtime system?
A small detail I missed. Keaton on in minute 88 and created pk for the 2-1 win! @Soccer_News_USA @YanksAbroad @USAprospects @ussoccer— Katherine Parks (@katherinepkat) December 10, 2016
I'm also late to this party, and going through every page made my day. Looks like he could have some real talent!