Clarence Goodson

Clarence Goodson (Player) - Inducted 2021

Clarence Goodson IV began his soccer career with the Braddock Road Warhawks, where he won five Virginia State (VYSA) Championships, the USYSA 1999 U-17 National Championship, and the 1999 North American Indoor National Championship.  In 2000 Clarence won the Virginia State AAA Championship with WT Woodson High School. Clarence attended the University of Maryland, advanced to two ACC Championships, winning one and two Final Four appearances. Clarence was twice named, Defender of the Year for the Terps. Clarence was selected 7th overall in the MLS 2004 Super Draft by the Dallas Burn (F.C. Dallas).  He was twice named team FC Dallas Defender of the Year. In 2008-2010 Clarence played for IK Start in Norway.  In 2009 he was rated the Best League-Wide player. 2010-2013 Clarence played for famed Danish Superliga team, Brondby IF, where he served as Team Captain and helped the team gain qualification into the UEFA League.  In 2013 Clarence returned to the US and signed for the San Jose Earthquakes, where they rose to one of the strongest defensive teams in the MLS.  Clarence was twice named team Defender of the Year, and served as elected MLS Player Representative for Major League Soccer Players Association. In 2007 Clarence was first called up to the US Men’s National team. Clarence played Central Defender for the US for seven years and served as an elected US National Team Executive Board member.  Clarence played in the Gold Cup in 2009 and 2011, winning the 2013 Gold Cup Championship as Vice-Captain. In 2010 Clarence was selected to the United States Mens National Team Roster for the South African World Cup.   Clarence was also an alternate for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.  Clarence earned 46 caps and scored five goals for the US.Today Clarence works for Major League Soccer Players Association as Player Relations Manager. Alongside wife Kelsey, Clarence is Youth Director for 120+ Bay Area youth in their church, and he coaches the next generation of youth elitists.  The Clarence E. Goodson IV Mini Pitch was dedicated in September 2017 at his alma mater Springfield Elementary School. Clarence & his wife Kelsey partnered with the US Soccer Foundation to build a mini soccer pitch where children, in underserved communities, are provided a free and safe place to play the beautiful game.