SJEarthquakes.com:
How does it feel to be back in full swing, back into the starting XI and back to full strength after fighting injuries this past year?
Clarence Goodson:
“It feels good. It’s been a long time coming in terms of ups and downs ever since the last time I played. There’s a lot of hard work that goes into that that people don’t see, obviously. It’s good to finally be back and help the team out.”
SJEQ:
Early on this season, you’ve generated a lot of offensive opportunities. You were instrumental in creating two of the goals against Chicago and the penalty kick in New England. What has been the key to your success in the final third this season?
CG:
“I think Matias has served in some really good balls, putting his services into really good areas that have given us an opportunity to go attack. It’s been really nice for us to have those services coming in and mix it up as much as possible. Set pieces are definitely a big strength of our team and it’s good to see us taking advantage of those again.”
SJEQ:
At the beginning of the season you changed your number from 44 to 21. Is there a particular reason for the switch?
CG:
“A lot of things go into it really. When I first got to the club there wasn’t a lot of numbers to choose from. I had worn four in the past, so I doubled that up with 44. I had spent the last seven or eight years with the national team and six of those years I was wearing the number 21. I went to the World Cup wearing that number, so it’s significant in that regard. I just feel comfortable in it. I think when Jason left it was free and available, so I decided to snatch it up and keep that number on the field just as Jason did with the club for so many years.”
SJEQ:
Countless times this year you’ve made timely tackles that have disrupted opponent scoring opportunities, some of which have been outstretched sliding tackles. Granted, every defender is different, but how would you describe your defensive prowess?
CG:
“I’m always looking to break up plays and try and help the team keep the ball as much as possible. I like to keep it simple. I don’t try and do anything too crazy on the pitch, but ultimately, just trying to disrupt as many plays as I can and limited the other team’s scoring opportunities.”
SJEQ:
You and Victor are coming off strong performances against Real Salt Lake. Explain your relationship with Victor and how you guys have complimented each other on the pitch so far this season.
CG:
“I think Vic is a very impressive defender. Of course, he has tons of experience in this league and internationally. He is a big strong guy and I think that I’m more of a player that likes to keep things organized and have guys in good positions so we don’t have to make those last minute sliding tackles. I think we’re a good combination, though. If you had two of me or two of him, I don’t think it would work. When we’re playing well and we have a lot of games together, we’re a very strong team and are just tough to break down. It’s been a little while since we’ve been able to train together and play games together, and I think we’re getting better and better with every game.”
SJEQ:
You’re approaching two years since you’ve arrived in San Jose back on June 28, 2013. How would you describe your experience with the Quakes so far?
CG:
“I would say my experience has been good, and it’s been in two parts. The first part is coming into a team that needed a lot of wins at the end of the season and we got a lot of those wins, but fell just short of making the playoffs. I think we had a lot to build on there. The next season, we had a ton of injuries throughout the year. Now, I would say I’m in the second part of my Quakes career. I’ve come back really strong and healthy. I think I’ve put in some good performances so far, but I think the team’s in a rebuilding stage. We’re still getting used to one another, we’re trying to get used to Dominic and his expectations, and I think we have a lot of good players. We have a great staff in place that’s going to an excellent job working with players. I think we’re the under dogs still. We’re in a position now where we’re trying to fight and scrap for as many points as possible and it’s a new season, so it’s exciting. It’s a long season, so we haven’t accomplished anything yet.”
SJEQ:
Recently, you delegated four free tickets to fans for the club’s soft opener at Avaya Stadium, just the latest example of your continued interaction with Quakes fans. How important is it for you to establish a connection with the fans of this club?
CG:
“To me, it’s very important. Our fans are the driving force for us and they’re the ones who really make us tick on the pitch. Especially for me, when I first came in I thought I had good rapport with the fans and then being injured for so long, I’m sure as fans a lot of them were wondering what the heck was going on, wanting to have me back to full strength. I’m just trying to show them that I do appreciate all of their support when I was injured and even when I’m healthy, no matter the case, so I really do appreciate them sticking by me. Like I said, they’re our driving force, both home and away, and it’s excellent to have the kind of support we get here in San Jose.”
SJEQ:
You and your wife have a young daughter and just welcomed Clarence V into the family. We all know Clarence Goodson the soccer player, but who is Clarence Goodson the father?
CG:
“I’m a pretty relaxed father and I think I’m a pretty relaxed player as well. Obviously, there’s a line and a limit to how relaxed you can be on the field, and for me, I demand certain things from my teammates and also certain things from my children. That’s not to say I’m a jerk or anything, but I think that I’m a pretty relaxed guy until something goes wrong. My wife and I are lucky to have such great kids. If anyone has seen my wife and daughter around the stadium they’ll tell you that she’s a good girl and that she’s behaving. We just like to have fun and enjoy life. When the game’s over I step away from it and enjoy my time at home with my family. My daughter and I will color, go to the park, relax, and just enjoy life.”
SJEQ:
You’re one of the elder statesman of the group, not only with your age but with your international, European and MLS experience. Is the leadership role something you relish?
CG:
“It’s a natural progression. There were guys before me when I was in Dallas and guys with the team when I first got to Europe. There were players that had been around the block and did more than I had at that point of my career. For me, I looked to those guys for advice, tried to learn from their experiences and hoped to get pointed in the right direction. I wouldn’t say the leadership role comes natural to players, but it’s a natural progression that I’ve certainly embraced as captain for clubs I’ve played for and I’m doing my best to bring the young guys along and be a good role model.”
SJEQ:
You guys welcome the Whitecaps into Avaya Stadium on Saturday. Octavio Rivero has four goals in the club’s first five games. What is your approach in preparing for one of the hottest teams in MLS?
CG:
“I think we’ll have to get a lot of guys behind the ball. The Whitecaps are a very quick team on the counter and you can see that, but when you’re sending tons of numbers forward, there are going to be openings in the back. I think everyone knows that about them, but it’s how you deal with it. For a player like Octavio, we have a number of experienced guys that know how to be tight on guys and every player’s different when you’re tight with them. An average player can look great when you give them time and space, so we hope to close down on them and limit their opportunities.”
