Finally, the defenders have received their due.
Though, more than likely, it was Jeff Parke's 93rd-minute game-winning goal against Sporting Kansas City that pushed the Seattle Sounders centerback over the top in the vote for the MLS Player of the Week for Week 10. Parke edged out Philadelphia Union forward Carlos Ruiz in the final vote by the North American Soccer Reporters (NASR).
Parke is the first Sounders player to win the award this season and the first defender since Columbus Crew centerback Chad Marshall did it in Week 22 of the 2009 season.
The winning goal aside, Parke's defensive performance against Sporking KC was equally deserving of accolades. He manned the Sounders backline, keeping Sporting's fearsome attack force quiet and off the board.
WATCH: FULL MATCH HIGHLIGHTS - SEA 1, SKC 0
PLAYER OF THE WEEK WINNERS
Week 10: Jeff Parke (Seattle Sounders)
Week 9: Justin Braun (Chivas USA)
Week 8: Joao Plata (Toronto FC)
Week 7: Will Bruin (Houston Dynamo)
Week 6: Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy)
Week 5: Luke Rodgers (New York Red Bulls)
Week 4: David Ferreira (FC Dallas)
Week 3: Camilo (Vancouver Whitecaps)
Week 2: Javier Morales (Real Salt Lake)
Week 1: Omar Bravo (Sporting Kansas City)
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