It was a homecoming for Keaton Parks as his New York City FC side came to town in a 1-1 tie that saw FC Dallas edge back over the line in the MLS playoffs. The Plano native grew up in and around Toyota Stadium, playing high school soccer for Frisco Liberty and attending FC Dallas games.

"It was exciting," said Parks after Sunday's game. "I've been to a lot of games here and I grew up right around this area, so it was exciting to be back and to see all my friends and family out here."

Frisco Wakeland's Dylan Rakestraw (6, right) kicks the ball past Frisco Liberty's Keaton Parks (4, left) in the second half of their playoff game at Standridge Stadium in Carrollton on Saturday, March 12, 2014. (Kelley Chinn/Special Contributor) (Kelley Chinn / Special Contributor)

So how did an FC Dallas fan whose skills were showcased on their home field go unnoticed by the leading producer of young American talent? Simply put, they didn't. FC Dallas tried to recruit Parks to their developmental academy in 2011, but a youth coach of Parks' convinced the family to rebuff any offers and carry Liverpool FC Warriors in North Texas' Classic League while setting up trials in Europe. A huge risk, but one that Parks' talent mitigated.

An offer of a full scholarship with SMU was similarly turned down before the 22-year-old's torrid time with Varzim SC in Portugal's second tier. After starting with goals in his opening two games, the 6'3" midfielder caught the attention of Portuguese giants, Benfica. With Varzim playing hard-ball, the club appeared to hold both Benfica and Parks to ransom. Something that went to the highest authority in Europe, the Court of Arbitration for Sport, before Parks could officially join the two-time European Champions.

"Playing with Benfica, with some of the top players in the world really helped me develop my game and learn from a lot of experienced players," said Parks. "All of that has gone into how I play here at New York City."

United States' Andrija Novakovich (9), Matthew Olosunde (2), Eric Lichaj (15), Lynden Gooch (20) and Keaton Parks (25) celebrate after an international friendly soccer match against Bolivia, Monday, May 28, 2018, in Chester, Pa. The United States won 3-0. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum) (Matt Slocum / AP)

Despite winning his first cap with the US Men's National team, Parks wasn't seeing much time with the first team in Lisbon. After all, this is a team whose quality can be measured by the recent sale of Joao Felix to Atletico Madrid for close to $140m. New York City FC brought Parks in over the winter on a season-long loan, but he had to watch most of the first three months from the bench as he struggled to find his place in NYCFC's packed midfield. Including his first start, against Philadelphia in late June, Parks has firmly forced his way into the team with 16 consecutive appearances, 12 of those from the start.

Flexibility has aided Parks' cause, as he can play as a 6, 8, or 10. NYCFC Domenec Torrent has primarily employed Parks as a 6 in a double pivot four-man midfield, or as an 8 when using team captain, Alex Ring, as a single pivot. Yesterday's 3-4-2-1 saw the former as Ring and Parks helped the Cityzens dominate the opening third of the game, scoring in just 40 seconds. Dallas would take control and equalize, reducing the Pigeons' lead in the Eastern Conference to four points ahead of Atlanta.

"We definitely feel like we didn't play our best game today," said Parks. "We've a lot to improve on going into our game on Wednesday and we're disappointed with how it went today."

To make matters worse, the youngster was forced to retire to the bench in the second half with a hamstring injury, as the jubilation subsided among the large gathering of friends and family behind the bench clad in NYCFC blue and Benfica red. Parks is now doubtful for Wednesday's first v second clash with Atlanta, which will also serve as New York City's final home game of the regular season. Torrent expressed his disappointment that a player he considers among the top ten in MLS could be missing this marquee game.

"It's bad news for MLS because he's a good player," said Torrent when asked how the loss of Atlanta's reigning MLS MVP Josef Martinez would affect Wednesday's game. "It's bad news for [NYCFC striker] Heber as well, or Keaton, because right now Heber, Keaton, and Josef as well are maybe in the best seven to ten players in MLS. When that happens it's not easy to accept that for Atlanta or us."