The New York Red Bulls have acquired center back Tim Parker from Vancouver Whitecaps FC in exchange for midfielder Felipe, $500,000 in Targeted Allocation Money over two years, and an international roster spot for 2018, the club announced today. The Red Bulls will send Vancouver $225,000 of TAM for 2018, and $275,000 of TAM for 2019.

Parker, 25, was drafted by the Whitecaps 13th overall in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft. Parker made 32 MLS appearances in 2017, recording his first MLS goal and assist. He was second in MLS with 86 headed clearances, and was fifth league-wide with 73 aerials won. The center back led Vancouver in minutes played, touches, and successful passes.

"Tim is an established MLS talent with a lot of the qualities we look for in our defenders," said Red Bulls Sporting Director Denis Hamlett. "When we started to evaluate options to bring in a center back, Tim was the ideal candidate for us because of his physical tools, understanding of the game, and presence on the field. We are pleased to get him here and look forward to getting him on the field."

The Oyster Bay, Long Island, native played four seasons at St. John's University, leading the Red Storm to three consecutive appearances in the NCAA Tournament and the 2011 Big East Title alongside current Red Bull Connor Lade. He has represented the United States internationally through the U-23 age group.

"Tim is the type of defender we look for," said Red Bulls Head Coach Jesse Marsch. "His soccer knowledge, athleticism, and one-on-one defending ability are qualities that fit with what we ask of our center backs. I know he is glad to be coming home to New York, and we think he will thrive in our style of play."

Felipe joined the Red Bulls in 2015, coming from the Montreal Impact. He helped New York to the 2015 Supporters' Shield and an appearance in the Eastern Conference Finals of the MLS Cup Playoffs with five goals and seven assists in 33 appearances. "Felipe represented our club with passion every time he took the field," said Hamlett. "He is a respectable man as well as a quality player for our club. We thank him for his contributions to the club, and wish him and his family all the best."

In his three seasons in New York, Felipe has played and started in 100 MLS regular-season matches. He has only missed two games over a three-year span, playing in 8,781 of a possible 9,180 minutes in regular-season action. As a Red Bull, he accrued 10 goals and 17 assists.

"Felipe has been a big part of our team for the last three seasons," said Marsch. "His dedication to this team and club was at the highest level every day. I personally owe him so much for his commitment to this team. Here at Red Bull, we all wish him and his family great success in the future."