Atlanta United captain Michael Parkhurst earned a rare start in Sunday's 1-1 draw at Montreal.
The 35-year-old centerback, who announced a week ago that he will retire at season's end, hadn't started or played in a league game since July 17 against Houston. It was his 15th start as part of his 19th appearances this season, totals far below what he achieved in the previous two season when he started 32 games in 2018 and 33 in 2017. It was also Parkhurst's 300th MLS appearance.
“I wanted to see him today and because I thought it was a team that suited him,” Atlanta United manager Frank de Boer said. “He played well.”
Parkhurst expressed curiosity earlier this week if he would be fit enough to play 90 minutes because it has been so long since he had. Cramps forced him off after 82 minutes on Sunday.
“I was pleased with the performance but disappointed I couldn’t finish the game,” he said. “I got tired and my legs cramped up a little bit. It felt good to be back out there. I had fun.”
It was a performance that many of the team’s supporters have grown to appreciate: two tackles, almost 90 percent passing and several key turnovers created.
Parkhurst may get at least one more chance to start when Atlanta United hosts New England in next week’s regular season finale. Parkhurst started his pro career with New England, playing there from 2005-08.
Parkhurst's teammates said they were glad to see him in the starting 11.
“Parkie’s our captain,” Julian Gressel said. “He was that all year, whether he didn’t play or didn’t play. Good to see him out there today. I thought he did a good job. Kind of a fairy tale ending if he plays next week against the Revs where he started his pro career.”
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