Jeff Parke out? Revenge is Coming! Petke Signed!

By: Dave Martinez | November 26th, 2008

The Seattle Sounders braved the dark dredges of the USL waters and have begun plucking MLS talent like vultures on a carcass. In an odd twist, the Red Bulls loss in Jeff Parke, though sentimental, was also inevitable and costless.

And in a move that can be best described as giving the Red Bull fans a big fat hug after taking a couple of emotional beatings, Mike Petke will be making his return to New York for the 2009 season (as reported by SBI)!

But first things first:

JEFF PARKE

Jeff Parke’s services in MLS are now controlled by the Sounders. That does not, however, impact the central defenders freedom to explore the European markets for a new home. It was previously reported to be as such. But if he does find MLS to be the only source for his play, then the Sounders would have the negotiating rights to deal with him.

Parke would be the keystone to a formidable back four. Anchored by Kasey Keller, Parke would serve as the vocal leader of the group, along with the young and very talented Tyson Wahl. James Riley makes for a fiesty defender, and Nate Sturgis can well play a back wing. Ljunberg would cap off the pyramid. Not a bad base to build off of. A couple of mid field and attacking signings mid season, and you may have a very competitive team in the West.

Its no secret to any reader of this blog that I am a fan of Parke. He was given a raw deal based on a stupid mistake and a lack of research. An excessive penalty was delivered, using Parke as an example of how harsh the league is willing to punish any kind of offenders. Through this process, he was the only player to come out and issue a public apology and explanation. That is manning up, even when he knows it is a raw deal. And I respect the hell out of that.

Furthermore, he was the defensive anchor for the better part of two years. Always the most vocal, and under appreciated player on the defense, Parke didn’t need anyone to be down his throat when asked to do what was expected. He just performed. He was a great teammate to many, and as fan friendly a player that you can hope for. Its a shame it ended this way, but the good memories out weigh anything else.
MIKE PETKE

And now for sentimentality of a different flavor. Mike Petke, in many peoples eyes, is every bit the Metro Icon that a Clint Mathis, or dare I say, Geo Savarese, are. He holds Metro records for most minutes and games played. He was a two time all star and a consumate pro. And, among Metro Supporters, he is known as the man who, after the brutal slaying of keeper Mike Ammann at the hands of Diallo, Petke scored a rare goal, and revealed a shirt that read “August 16th: Crime of the Century on the front and Revenge is Coming” on the back.

With Parke gone, that is the kind of leadership void Red Bull needed to quickly fill. And Petke can play the part excellently. Though a step slower, he had never played less than two thirds a season before 2008. He is durable, vocal, and a fan favorite to boot. All the fans would want now is a return of the bleach blond hair do.

So what are you thoughts on today’s movement? What else can the Bulls do moving forward?