2014 FIFA World Cup: Former Deacon Michael Parkhust On 30-Man Team USA Roster
By Marc Pruitt
Michael Parkhurst, a former star for Wake Forest, was recently named to the 30-man roster for Team USA for the upcoming 2014 FIFA World Cup in Rio.
Parkhurst, a 2004 graduate of Wake Forest, is one of 11 defenders trying out for a spot on the team that will represent the United States.
23 players will make the final roster, and play in Rio will get underway on June 16 against Ghana, the team that eliminated the U.S. in 2010.
Parkhurst has been a significant presence in international competitions, playing in the Olympics in 2008 and two Gold Cups as part of his 26 total matches.
Parkhurst is currently playing for the Columbus Crew in MLS and is the team’s captain. He began his career with the New England Revolution in 2004 before heading overseas to play for several years in Europe.
Parkhurst will learn if he makes the team following a friendly match against Turkey on June 2.
Team USA Coach Jurgen Klinsmann will make his final roster decisions after that match in an effort to make final preparations for the team’s departure for Brazil.