[1][2] Placek began his professional career in 1996 with the Mid-Michigan Bucks in the USISL Premier League.
In 1998, he signed with the Detroit Rockers of the National Professional Soccer League, where he appeared in 32 matches.
[6] In 2004, Placek signed with the newly formed Windsor Border Stars of the Canadian Professional Soccer League.
[7] In his debut season he helped the club reach the final of the Open Canada Cup, where Windsor faced Ottawa St. Anthony Italia and won the tournament by defeating Ottawa 4–2 in penalties.
[8] During the regular season he helped Windsor finish third in the Western Conference, and clinch a postseason berth.