For Keaton Parks, the wait is ‘finally’ over!
The New York City midfielder bagged his first goal of the season in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Nashville SC, leaping high to power Mitja Ilenič’s pinpoint delivery past Joe Willis to break the deadlock.
The effort ended his 11-month wait for a goal, and set the Boys in Blue onto a superb win, but the strike held extra special meaning for Parks and his family.
In February, Keaton and his wife Kat announced the wonderful news of the upcoming arrival of a baby boy, with the pair having married last year.
Two months on, Parks was able to rejoice with the NYCFC family, dedicating his goal to his son. Wheeling away after his opener, he tucked the ball under his shirt with his thumb in his mouth – the iconic ‘new baby’ celebration, and one he had planned for a while!
“It felt good,” he said. “It felt good to get a goal and get the win, of course, and I was happy I finally got to do that celebration, which I was waiting to do.”
With three points to savor too, as the City Boys returned to winning ways at Citi Field, it was a night to remember for Parks.
Nick Cushing’s side had spoken throughout the week of the need to start on the front foot, having been left chasing the game in previous fixtures.
Parks added he was pleased with the team’s intensity, and battling qualities, as the hosts fought to preserve the lead, with Nashville pushing for a late fightback when Hany Mukhtar reduced the deficit.
“I felt like we lost points last week [against Atlanta United], and we all did,” he admitted.
“It just feels great to get the three points. We performed from start to finish in this game.
“Whether we were suffering or playing well with the ball, everybody gave their all the whole time. We deserve these three points.
“It always sucks to concede a goal that late in the game. Of course, they get all the momentum and energy out of that, but I think we did a great job in reacting to that and making sure we didn't let another goal in.
“It was tough, we suffered for sure, and [Hany] Mukhtar is a fantastic player for sure. He did his thing, but we finished it off strong.”
Parks was also impressed with the performance of Richy Ledezma, who produced a Star of the Match display, marking his first MLS start with an assist.
The midfielder set up Maxime Chanot with a corner delivery to double the hosts’ advantage, and Parks says the new recruit was fully deserving of the plaudits.
“It was fantastic [playing alongside him],” he hailed.
“I thought he played a hell of a game. He was a well-deserved Man of the Match, and he did great.
“I wish he could have gotten a goal or another assist. He was in all the right spots, so I am happy for him.”
NYCFC are back on home soil next weekend for the second of our three-game home stand.
The Boys in Blue welcome Nashville SC to Citi Field on Saturday, April 16 in a 7:30pm ET kick-off.
Tickets for the game are now available. Don't miss your chance to cheer on the City Boys!
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