Crew SC center back Michael Parkhurst wears a brace on his shoulder and shin guards on his legs.
As for the most sensitive part of his anatomy, the team’s leading shot blocker is protected only by his faith the odds remain in his favor when stepping in front of a rocketed volley.
“We just don’t get hit there very often,” the 32-year-old team captain said. “It’s only happened about 10 times in games where I’ve had to go down and, you know, let it take its course.”
In a sport where a well-struck soccer ball can travel in excess of 100 mph, most players refuse to wear cups.