Sounders FC Defender Jeff Parke Named MLS Player of the Week

First Defender to Win Award Since 2009

NEW YORK - Seattle Sounders FC defender Jeff Parke was voted Major League Soccer Player of the Week by the North American Soccer Reporters (NASR) for Week 10 of the 2011 MLS season. Parke headed home the game-winning goal in stoppage time to lift his team over Sporting Kansas City, 1-0.


Parke is the first defender to win this award since Chad Marshall in Week 22 of the 2009 season, and the first Sounders FC player to win the award since Steve Zakuani in Week 29 of 2010. Parke narrowly edged out Philadelphia striker Carlos Ruiz for this week's honor.


With the two clubs knotted in a scoreless draw at a rain-soaked Qwest Field and mere seconds of stoppage time remaining, Seattle's Tyson Wahl served a high, curling ball that Parke rose to thump past Sporting goalkeeper Jimmy Nielsen.


Parke had a solid game at the back, making well-timed tackles, heading clearances, and blocking several shots to help his team shut out a Sporting Kansas City side that regained the services of Designated Player Omar Bravo. The goal was Parke's first since June 12, 2004.


The Sounders beat Sporting KC in similar fashion last year at Qwest when midfielder Mike Fucito scored in the 92nd minute to propel the Sounders to a 1-0 victory.


The MLS Player of the Week is selected each week of the regular season by a panel of journalists from NASR. The group consists of members of print, television, radio and online media.

2025 Season Memberships

2025 Season Memberships

Join Sounders FC for an unforgettable year. Unlock exclusive perks and be part of the action as we enter a new era. 2025 Season Memberships are on sale now!

2025 FIFA Club World Cup

2025 FIFA Club World Cup

The biggest club soccer event in history is coming to Seattle. And we're playing in it.

2025 Flex Memberships

2025 Flex Memberships

Your matches. Your way. With a Sounders FC Flex Membership you select which matches you want in the seats (or suites!) of your choosing. Enjoy the view from our elevated Club seats for one match, and then for your next one sit close pitch to catch all the action - all with preferred member pricing.