Despite being the first captain in Atlanta United’s history, the impact and importance of Michael Parkhurst have been somewhat overlooked this season.
The 33-year old has been reliable and sturdy at the back for Atlanta, earning himself a spot in the 2017 MLS All Star Game, but the praise and attention still doesn’t seem to be there. The former USA international continues to come up big at the back for Atlanta, yet there seems to be a lack of league-wide praise (despite his All-Star game inclusion).
Atlanta’s defensive record has had it’s ups and downs this season, but the developing partnership of Parkhurst and Leandro Gonzalez Pirez has helped Atlanta boast the fifth best defensive record in the Eastern Conference.