Goodson, Clarence
Position: Defender
Date of Birth: 05/17/1982
Height: 6' 4" Weight: 165 lbs
Pro Team: Brondby
College Experience: University of Maryland
Caps: 34
Goals: 3
The rangy central defender spent four seasons at FC Dallas, establishing himself as an MLS regular before being picked up by the re-born San Jose Quakes in the expansion draft. Before playing a game for SJ, Goodson opted for Europe instead and landed a contract with Norwegian side IK Start for the 2008 season. He left Start for Brondby in Denmark's SuperLiga, joining the club after the winter break in 2011.
The move coincided with his first National Team training camp in January, and his debut against Sweden the same month, where he came in as a second half substitute and gave an assured performance to help defend the team’s 2-0 lead. After a strong January camp in 2010, Goodson was named to the World Cup roster.
National Team experience
2012: Started against Italy on Feb 29th and Canada on June 3rd. Started the World Cup Qualifier against Guatemala on June 12th. Started against Jamaica on Sept 7th. Subbed on in the November friendly against Russia.
2011: Named to the Gold Cup squad and scored against Panama on June 11th. Started in the Gold Cup final
2010: Played in the January friendly against Honduras, scoring the only US goal in the 3-1 loss. Played in both Sendoff Series games and was named to the World Cup roster. Started against South Africa on Nov 17th.
2009: Part of the Gold Cup squad. Came in as a second-half sub against Slovakia on Nov 14th and Denmark on the 18th.
2008: Called up for two-week January training camp, capped by his debut against Sweden in 2-0 exhibition won in LA. Goodson came on at half-time for Jimmy Conrad.
Professional experience
2010: Once again the normal choice in Start's back line. Goodson announced in November that he had signed a deal with Brindby in Denmark's SuperLiga and would join the club in January 2011. The Norweigan season ends in early November. Signed with Denmark's Brondby.
2009: A regular for Start in a season where they finished 9th.
2008: Played in 22 league games and scored four goals for Start.
2007: A solid regular in the Dallas defense, re-establishing himself at the back under new head coach Steve Morrow, and making 28 starts overall. His two goals included a game winner in the first leg of the Western Conference semi-finals against Houston.
2006: A frustrating season at Dallas, playing just 15 games overall (nine starts).
2005: Breakout season, starting 30 of 31 games overall, and tallying two goals and an assist into the bargain.
2004: First round SuperDraft pick (seventh overall), making just five appearances (two starts) in rookie season.
College: University of Maryland standout, earning All-ACC Second Team honors in senior year.
