Michael Parkhurst will be reporting to U.S. national team camp Thursday as a champion.
Parkhurst's FC Nordsjaelland put the finishing touches on their Danish Superliga title on Wednesday, defeating Horsens 3-0 in the season finale to hold off FC Copenhagen and seal a place in the UEFA Champions League.
Parkhurst played 90 minutes at right back for Nordsjaelland, which finished two points clear of Copenhagen and conceded just 22 goals in 33 games with Parkhurst helping anchor the defense. Parkhurst joins Herculez Gomez (Mexico) and Sacha Kljestan (Belgium) as Americans to win their respective league's titles this season.
Parkhurst was not the only American in Scandinavia to have a landmark day, either:
SPAN SCORES FIRST GOAL
Brian Span scored his first career goal for Swedish club Djurgarden in the club's 1-1 draw with Helsingborg — the club's fifth straight 1-1 result and sixth in its last seven matches.
Span was making his first start and second appearance with the club since signing out of the University of Virginia this past winter. He nodded home a cross to pull Djurgarden level in the 74th minute, and he was subbed out six minutes later.
Here is video of Span's goal:
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=leWqZAVZdRo]
is it really that hard to pick up on sarcasm? where are you from, does it not exist in your region? it’s pretty obvious when people are being sarcastic on this site, chill out people
For those soccer history buffs out there…is there any other year where US players won more championships abroad? If not, does this make this the greatest Americans Abroad year ever?
i agree. he played like $hite with the US
Parkhurst is definitely an all action defender but his best spot has always been CB.
Horse manure,
Bradley called him in for the 2009 Gold Cup and even at that B team level he looked like a boy amongst men.
His time at Demark has done him well. He looks far more assured and confident. And if you will notice has really polished his versatility. JK likes versatile players.
Parkhurst is no new story. He has succeeded at every level, every place he’s been. The only new story here is that we finally have a coach that appreciates what he brings. The fact that he can play multiple positions very well makes him an easy choice over players like Ream who is still trying to play any position well.
Word on the stree on others that had Klinsmann’s permission to miss the matches include Shea, Davies, Sascha, Bornstein, Adu and Benny
NO Guzan opted not to re-sign with Aston Villa.
good one.
Guzan released by Aston Villa
From the article it looks like Josh Gatt is on the short list for future camps. Excited for that.
and adu needs to be better
But…but…but….HE STARTED 10 GAMES FOR ASTON VILLA!!!!
Agreed. Not a make-or-break player by any means.
I love Klinsmann’s honesty.
Sacha wasn’t called in because he isn’t good enough. Lichaj wasn’t called in because he needs experience, 10 games just doesn’t cut it. Same with Ream, he just isn’t good enough.
Parkhurst played RB, LB, CB, and even DM for Nordsjaelland over the course of the season. He definitely deserves a callup though, his team had a great season and he was a big part of it.
Word on the street is that Ream had Klinsmann’s blessing to miss the matches. He’s finally going on his honeymoon. Remember he had to cancel his original plans at the last minute
to sign with Bolton. He owes it to his wife and I bet this is the only time he had the opportunity.
As for Parkhurst, the dude’s had an unbelievable season. He’s earned his shot. I streamed a couple of his matches this season and he looks very good. He hasn’t gained any new qualities or skill set, he’s just refined the ones he has. He’s been extremely versatile and been a HUGE player for his club.
I’m aware sarcasm doesn’t translate well but it certainly is a good radar to indicate who is far too uptight.
Or the fact he didn’t replace Ream because Parkhurst is a RB/LB. And the fact he has an outstanding year where as Ream has been up and down.
Oh by the way Cameron was picked over Ream!
Congrats to Parkhurst he has been a force for his team at RB and LB this year.
Keep a close watch of Span’s Progression with Djurgarden this season.
Very talented AM/Winger that has size, speed, good dribbling skills and a nose for the goal.
He has elements of Clint Dempsey and Cobi Jones in his play.
He keeps working hard and performing at a high level I could see him get a call-up for the January camp.
Was a little surprised he didn’t get called in for any of the Olympic camps this past year.
Could very well move from winger to striker for Djurgarden as well.
Or you could not be ignorant and read that statistic that Ives listed. 22 goals conceded in 33 games. And he started most of the those 33 games. Not enough for you?
For those wondering why Parkhurst was called up over everyone’s favorite crush: Tim Ream? Observe the image above.
He looks Latin. Maybe JK was confused?