The San Jose Earthquakes made a significant splash to try and resurrect a frustrating season on Friday, signing US men’s national team veteran center back and World Cup veteran Clarence Goodson.
Per league and team policy, terms of the deals were not disclosed.
Goodson, 31, began his professional career in Major League Soccer with FC Dallas in 2004 and was selected in by the Earthquakes in the 2007 MLS Expansion Draft. The Quakes have held his MLS rights ever since, even while he spent three years apiece with Norwegian side IK Start and Danish side Brondby.
“We’re very excited to have Clarence join us,” Earthquakes interim head coach Mark Watson said in a statement. “He brings a lot of experience both in MLS and internationally. He has great leadership qualities and will be a fantastic addition to our back four.”
Goodson has amassed 36 caps for the US national team and
was named to head coach Jurgen Klinsmann’s Gold Cup roster on Thursday
. He will report straight to US camp in San Diego before joining the Earthquakes following the conclusion of the tournament.
READ: Klinsmann takes chances for Gold Cup roster
If the US national team reaches the Gold Cup final, the first game Goodson could play for the Quakes is Aug. 4 at home against Chivas USA.
“Clarence is a World Cup veteran with a wealth of experience in our league, overseas and at the international level,” said Earthquakes general manager John Doyle in a statement. “He should be a great addition to our team. He’s a good leader, has an excellent character and we’re happy to have him join our club.”
His most recent US appearance was a 69-minute effort against Belgium on May 29. He also started and played 90 minutes in a 1-0 win against Costa Rica in CONCACAF World Cup qualifying on March 22 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.
He was also on the US team that reached the knockout stage of the 2010 World Cup, although he went as unused substitute.
STREAM OF THE WEEK: Watch the Quakes take on the Galaxy (Saturday, 10:30 pm ET)
Goodson signed with IK Start in January 2008 and helped lead their squad to promotion to the country’s first division. He moved to Brondby in November 2010 and earned the captain’s armband within six months of joining his new club. He helped Brondby to a third-place finish in his first season, earning them a spot in the 2011-12 UEFA Europa League’s third qualifying round.
Goodson was the No. 7 overall pick in the 2004 MLS SuperDraft by FC Dallas. He made 74 appearances during his stay in Texas, tallying three goals and two assists. The stalwart center back earned the starting job for FC Dallas in his sophomore season and helped lead their squad to three consecutive MLS Cup Playoff appearances from 2005-07.
