Parkhurst getting kicks out of homecoming
FOXBOROUGH - After four seasons with the Revolution, defender Michael Parkhurst was back at Gillette Stadium yesterday, but this time he was part of the US national team.
Parkhurst played out his MLS contract and signed with Danish club FC Nordsjaelland in December. Parkhurst said it has been a challenge, but it’s an experience he is enjoying.
Parkhurst said, “My first six months was a little bit of an adjustment, getting used to a new environment and a new culture. Everything was a little bit different.’’
Parkhurst expects to be back with the team in August. Returning to Gillette Stadium was a nostalgic moment for Parkhurst, who signed with the Revolution after starring at Wake Forest. In 2005, he was selected the league’s rookie of the year and in 2007 he was named the league’s defensive player of the year.
“It feels good to be back where my professional career started, and where I learned so much,’’ said Parkhurst Friday. “To be back with the US team is always a good feeling, to represent the country.’’
Parkhurst played with the US in the Olympics last year and is now part of the CONCACAF Gold Cup squad that includes former Revolution teammate Jay Heaps.
“We’re always talking about it,’’ said Davies. “I think all of us were looking forward to this game. We’re proud to be part of New England. There aren’t too many players who come out of New England who are able to play at this level, so definitely, it’s a big thing.’’
Heaps has been called up several times to join the US team but he picked up the first cap of his career last night. He played alongside Parkhurst in the match against Haiti.
After stunning Spain in the semifinals, the US took a 2-0 lead against Brazil in the Confederations Cup final. Brazil rallied for a 3-2 win, but US coach Bob Bradley said there is plenty of momentum for this group of players to build on.
“This is a group for the most part that wasn’t in South Africa, and when we started this camp I think to a man, the players that were here watching were excited about what went on,’’ Bradley said. “When this camp started you got a sense from them about by being called into this camp, I think in a way they feel part of it and they’re excited about their opportunities here.’’
Davies, who had an assist in the match against Brazil, was encouraged by the reaction to the deep run by the US.
“I think the Confederations Cup success has really opened up a lot of eyes,’’ said Davies. “I think more people are starting to follow us. Hopefully, by the World Cup, we will have a really big following and a lot of support.’’
Monique Walker can be reached at mwalker@globe.com. 