After a 2012 season that saw San Jose finish the year as Supporters Shield winners, the Earthquakes have had a reversal of fortune in 2013.
The Quakes are in second-to-last in the Western Conference standings. Part of the problem is that star striker Chris Wondolowski has not been scoring at the same pace as last year, but the team as allowed 40 goals this season.
To counter that, the Quakes signed US international centre back Clarence Goodson back on June 28.
Goodson, 31, began his professional career in Major League Soccer with FC Dallas in 2004 and was selected by the Earthquakes in the 2007 MLS Expansion Draft. He joined San Jose after three-years with IK Start of Norway and Brondby of the Denmark.
He was also a member of the United States 2010 World Cup squad in South Africa and was named to his country’s 2013 Gold Cup roster. As a result, Goodson has played just five games back in MLS, helping his new team to a 2-2-1 record over that span.
His addition means that San Jose has one of the most challenging centre back duos in the league, lining up alongside Victor Bernardez.
Goodson, who is 6-foot-4, and Bernardez, who is 6-2, are pretty good in the air and have plenty of international experience with their respective countries. Together, despite different playing styles, they make a very physical duo.
Both defenders helped the Quakes shut out Vancouver 0-0, Saturday night.
With the Quakes fighting for their CONCACAF lives on Tuesday night at home, look for Goodson and a number of regulars to take the pitch against the Impact. San Jose remains unbeaten in their last 14 home matches. Game kicks off at 10pm ET.
