Over the past two years, Ricardo Clark has experienced the highs and lows of soccer. The midfielder has had the low of missing the MLS Cup Final in each of the last two years through suspension, missing last year's repeat championship as part of a nine-game suspension levied after he kicked FC Dallas midfielder Carlos Ruiz late in the regular season.
But this year, Clark has felt the high of competing against world powers such as Spain and England in friendlies for the United States national team.
Clark has shown great promise on the Houston Dynamo squad and on the national team, but in order to compete at the highest level, he knows he must improve.
"Just playing at a higher level. When you get to play against good teams like England and Spain, you have to think and react, be at a higher level," Clark said. "Those guys are playing fast-paced every single day, so when you get there, it is like jumping into something new because you have to adapt very quickly. Every aspect of the game is quicker, so that's what I have to add to my game."
Clark said playing against England at Wembley Stadium on May 28 was both challenging and fun, but it was an experience he will learn from.
"Those guys are playing at a high level day in and day out," he said. "They are playing at the highest level you can think of. I think a couple of those guys came off the Champions League finals the week before. That just goes to show you the type of players you are playing against. You just soak in the experience and learn from the game and playing against them."
The experience is one Clark hopes to bring to the biggest stage of all -- the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
"Even though it is far away, I definitely have that in my sights," he said. "Only time will tell, but I have to keep working hard and hopefully get that opportunity."
For now, Clark, who has started and played in 10 games this season and has an assist to his credit, is trying to help fill the void created with midfielder Dwayne De Rosario and forward Brian Ching playing for their respective national teams.
With Ching expected back in the lineup Saturday against Colorado, the void won't be as big, but Clark knows it's there.
"You have to elevate your game to fill the void because those are key players on your team, especially De Rosario," Clark said. "You have to step up your game because he's an engine on this team. We've dealt with it in the past -- missing key players and having the younger players stepping up when their chance comes. That's what it's all about come Saturday."
The international experience he has had this year and in years past has helped him improve with the Dynamo, Clark said. Now, he wants to take his game to the next level.
"It's definitely helped out because you are playing at a higher level when you get to the international team," Clark said. "That helps out your game and every aspect of your game. Then, you get back here, and it's like you are helping your team out even more because you are able to compete better. I am just trying to get more call-ups with the international team. I'm just trying to make the most of my opportunities when I get there."
After a slow start, the Dynamo have turned things around and are competing for the top spot in the Western Conference with Los Angeles. Slow starts are nothing new for Clark, who joined the Dynamo in 2005.
"I guess typical Dynamo year. We started off kind of slow," Clark said. "Ever since San Jose in that first year, we start off kind of slow. We have kind of the same core, so every year we started off slow, but we have picked it up as season goes by."
With the ship appearing to be righted in recent weeks, Clark and the rest of the team have a third consecutive MLS Cup in their sights.
"We have a lot of experience on this team," Clark said. "We have a lot of guys. We have a lot of energy on this team from the younger players. That's what we expect to see. We expect to be top of the league. We just need to keep this going for the rest of the year. Hope to get a repeat."
Jeremy Rakes is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
