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Despite Atlanta United advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals with a 3-1 aggregate win over the New York Red Bulls last night, Five Stripes fans had a heart-in-throat moment as Michael Parkhurst sustained an apparent ankle injury in the latter portion of the match. It led Tata Martino to immediately call Miles Robinson into action as the team captain was unable to finish the remaining time that was left.
But the club was able to provide some measure of an update this morning. During an appearance with John Fricke and Hugh Douglas on 92.9 The Game, Atlanta vice president and technical director Carlos Bocanegra said that Parkhurst “jammed his ankle” and that a return for MLS Cup was possible. However, the team is playing it by ear, and fortunately has time on its side with the big match over a week away.
Bocanegra told @JohnFricke and @BigHugh53 that Michael Parkhurst jammed his ankle at the end of the game. Said he's feeling alright but club is being cautious. Hopes to have him healthy come #MLSCup on Saturday. #UniteAndConquer
— 92.9 The Game (@929TheGame) November 30, 2018
Parkhurst was seen on the platform after the game accepting the Eastern Conference Champions’ trophy, appearing to not celebrate too heavily to keep from aggravating the injury more. He also was spotted on the team charter with a walking boot and his leg elevated.
So that’s a little bit of good news from Bocanegra. We’ll have to wait and see what the team physios say when the club returns to the training ground, but at least for now, it sounds like a few days of taking it easy will do Parkhurst good.