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January 11, 2008
Goodson signs for IK Start of Norway
We'd never heard of them, either. Here's the Wikipedia entry, which informs us that they were relegated in 2007 and now play in Norway's second division (or "Adeccoligaen").
So, to sum up: Clarence Goodson, who was just called into his first ever U.S. National Team camp, passed up a chance to play in San Jose and opted instead for a club in the Norwegian second division. It may be sour grapes, but that sounds like a terrible decision to us. We recall how a move to a Danish team removed Wade Barrett from the national team radar, and they were in the first division!
Wow. On the bright side, we suppose, choosing a second division Scandinavian club over the Quakes is probably a good sign that you were never Earthquakes material to begin with.
Nonetheless, good luck, Clarence.
Posted by Jay at January 11, 2008 11:38 AM
Comments
I absolutely agree with you Jay. If he doesn't want to wear the jersey with pride, we don't want him on the team. I'm shocked that he's going to the second division though. What is he thinking? He must love cross-country skiing or something. ;)
Posted by: seismothusiast at January 11, 2008 03:15 PM
I've researched this a little bit and it looks like they're expanding Norway's top division by two teams in '09, so they should be able to win promotion relatively easily. That's always easier said than done, though, so we'll see.
Also, to Goodson's credit, IK Start is apparently pretty well off financially and they have a sweet new stadium.
Posted by: Jay Hipps, SSV at January 11, 2008 05:11 PM
I concur - We don't want/need guys who aren't excited about ... hmmm, how do I put this? LIVING IN ONE OF THE BEST PLACES IN THE WORLD...but hey I love traveling to Europe and enjoying the sites and cultures from elsewhere too- BUT Okay, I spent 3 years in the Casbah and now I am HOOKED. Its obvious that Clarence has an agent or rep in Europe who will try to get him an opportunity to "move up the European ladder". In short, even 2nd Div Norway is closer than California to getting a look from the Bundesliga or Prem. US defenders get a pretty good look from the English sides. That being said, IK Start IS NOT WATFORD!!!! Jay DeMerit has found the road beyond the Coca Cola Championship is a competitive one...his next stint in the Prem will probably be with Watford again...Is Clarence a better athlete? Probably, but the whole tough as nails thing remains to be seen - he was afterall -EXPENDABLE to his last team! I only wish our team had the opportunity to discuss this ahead of time, but that doesn't mean he would have been forthcoming. Goodbye Clarence! Does this mean we have first rights if he returns?
Posted by: Matt Martin at January 14, 2008 08:12 AM
ref Goodson -I don't know that its accurate to say Goodson passed up San Jose.Let's see- it could have involved San Jose itself and /or the MLS. Seise.....You're assuming he didn't want to wear the jersey-that may not be accurate. Matt-you may be making erroneous assumptions about what his feelings may have been w/regard to playing for San Jose;And the "expendable to his last team" comment- How about FC Dallas being asleep at the switch and making some gross assumptions of their own w/ regard to their named top defender of the year. There's a thought! You guys make it sound as though Goodson was making all the calls-there may be some big assumptions in doing that. thanks for your time.
Posted by: dkyle at January 25, 2008 01:38 PM