VANCOUVER, BC - Vancouver Whitecaps FC defender Tim Parker earned his first call-up to the senior United States men's national team for an upcoming training camp that includes friendlies versus Iceland and Canada.
The youthful 23-man roster, featuring a mix of senior team and U-23 players, will hold camp from January 10 to February 6 at StubHub Center in Carson, California. Upon its completion, Parker will join Whitecaps FC in Tucson, Arizona for the 2016 Desert Friendlies.
The first part of the camp will be dedicated to developing a solid fitness base for the participating players, before they turn their focus to on-field soccer training to prepare for an international friendly versus Iceland on January 31. The team will then host Canada for an international friendly fixture on February 5. Both friendlies will take place at StubHub Center.
The 22-year old from Hicksville, New York had a stellar debut season in MLS, becoming a mainstay on the Whitecaps FC backline that allowed only 36 goals this season, tied for fewest in the league. The former St. John's University standout started 14 of his 15 regular season appearances, and contributed to six clean sheets. In MLS Playoffs action, Parker played the full 90 minutes in both legs of the Western Conference Semifinal series versus Portland Timbers, including the scoreless road draw last November 1.
Parker was productive in other competitions as well, where he earned three Man of the Match selections. He tallied a goal and an assist in four appearances in the 'Caps Amway Canadian Championship title run, and added another goal in four matches in the club's first-ever foray in CONCACAF Champions League action. The 2015 MLS SuperDraft pick also made seven starts for Whitecaps FC 2 in the United Soccer League.
U.S. ROSTER BY POSITION
Goalkeepers (2): Bill Hamid (D.C. United), Luis Robles (New York Red Bulls)
Defenders (7): Kellyn Acosta (FC Dallas), Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City), Matt Miazga (New York Red Bulls), Eric Miller (Montreal Impact), Tim Parker (Vancouver Whitecaps FC), Marc Pelosi (San Jose Earthquakes), Matt Polster (Chicago Fire)
Midfielders (8): Fatai Alashe (San Jose Earthquakes), Michael Bradley (Toronto FC), Mix Diskerud (New York City FC), Jermaine Jones (Unattached), Darlington Nagbe (Portland Timbers), Lee Nguyen (New England Revolution), Tony Tchani (Columbus Crew SC), Wil Trapp (Columbus Crew SC)
Forwards (6): Jozy Altidore (Toronto FC), Ethan Finlay (Columbus Crew SC), Jerome Kiesewetter (VfB Stuttgart), Jordan Morris (Unattached), Khiry Shelton (New York City FC), Gyasi Zardes (LA Galaxy)
Be a part of the best sporting atmosphere in Vancouver! 2016 Whitecaps FC Season Tickets are now on sale. In addition to Season Tickets, Whitecaps FC offer a flexible range of ticket products, including Half-Season Packs, 5-Packs, a Youth Soccer Half-Season Ticket, and single match tickets. For more information, visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets.
