Can the best MLS defense get better?
"I think, personally, for sure," Tim Parker said following the second day of preseason training with the team.
The 2018 New York Red Bulls defense, with the four starters of Parker, Aaron Long, Kemar Lawrence and Michael Amir Murillo, allowed only 33 goals in 34 matches.
"Defensively, as a team, we can do a lot more to prevent MLS goals," Parker said. "We're going to challenge each other to be better in those moments."
Parker inked a multi-year MLS contract using Targeted Allocation Money in the offseason.
Parker, 25, was acquired at the beginning of the '18 season in a trade with Vancouver Whitecaps FC. Parker joined the team in Tijuana, where he made his first appearance as a Red Bull in the 2-0 win over Xolos in the Concacaf Champions League. He appeared in 38 games across all competitions. Parker scored his first of two goals as a Red Bull in a 2-0 win over Atlanta on September 30, and also chipped in two assists.
With his first full preseason with New York underway and another shot at the Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League trophy looming, all focus is on the first matchup against upcoming opponent Atletico Pantoja.
"Any opportunity to win a trophy, you have to make a push for it," Parker said. "When we have the opportunity to push and try to win something, I think we go for it."
