Steve Clark (soccer)

Steve Clark

Personal information
Full name	Steven Thomas Clark
Date of birth	(1986-04-14) April 14, 1986
Place of birth	Mason, Michigan, United States
Height	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Playing position	Goalkeeper
Club information
Current club	Columbus Crew
Number	1
Youth career
2005–2008	Oakland Golden Grizzlies
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps†	(Gls)†
2005	West Michigan Edge	13	(0)
2006–2009	Michigan Bucks	52	(0)
2009	Charleston Battery	0	(0)
2010–2013	Hønefoss BK	94	(0)
2014–	Columbus Crew	0	(0)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of December 16, 2013. † Appearances (Goals).

Steven Thomas "Steve" Clark (born April 14, 1986) is an American soccer player who currently plays as a goalkeeper for the Columbus Crew in Major League Soccer. He previously played four years for Hønefoss BK in Norway, where in 2012, he was voted to the Tippeligaen's best XI by TV 2 (Norway).

Career

College and Amateur

Clark played soccer in the NCAA for the Oakland University Golden Grizzlies from 2005 to 2008. After red-shirting his first season, Clark went on to win the Grizzlies starting job in 2006, helping the side to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances in 2007-08. Clark won the Summit League's Defensive Player of the Year award in 2008 and was named to the All-Midwest Regional First Team. While attending Oakland University, Steve spent some time camping in the wilderness to find his inner being. Steve would sleep in a tent even when the temperatures were near freezing to prove to himself that he could accomplish anything he set his mind to.^{[citation needed]}

From 2006–09, Clark played with United Soccer Leagues Premier Development League Michigan Bucks, helping the PDL club to its first league championship in 2006, where he was named championship MVP, before falling on penalties in the title game the next season to Laredo Heat. In 2008, Clark helped the Bucks to the club's second regular season championship and first since 2000, en route to winning the Paul R. Scicluna trophy, awarded annually to the club's Most Valuable Player. From 2006-08, Clark also helped the Bucks to three-straight Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup appearances. In all, the Lansing native appeared in 75 matches over four seasons with the Pontiac-based side.^[1]

Professional

In 2009, Clark signed with USL-1 club Charleston Battery. In November 2009 Steve Clark was offered a trial by Bradford City. After impressing through the month of December he eventually left due to inability to retain a UK work permit. He thoroughly impressed then Manager Stuart McCall and goalkeeping coach Nigel Martyn.^{[citation needed]}

After leaving Bradford City, Steve Clark trialed with Norwegian Clubs Stabæk, and Hønefoss BK, eventually signing with the latter after arranging the trial by calling the club himself.^[2][3]

2011

On March 11, 2011 Steve Clark was named first choice keeper for Hønefoss BK after beating out long time starter Thomas Solvoll. In large part due to his athleticism; Clark recorded a 40 yard dash time of 4.51 seconds and recorded a vertical leap of 33 inches (86 centimeters).^[4] Clark led Hønefoss BK to promotion out of the Adeccoligaen into the Tippeligaen recording the lowest amount of goals against, and widely recognized as the best goalkeeper in the Adeccoligaen in 2011.^{[citation needed]}

After the 2011 season, Clark signed a two year contract extension with Hønefoss BK keeping him at the club until December 2013.^[5]

2012

Steve Clark began the 2012 Tippeligaen season widely unknown by the Norwegian press, but soon became a household name with his match winning saves and incredible athleticism.^{[citation needed]} He was named to the Best XI of the 2012 Tippeligaen season by TV 2 (Norway), the largest sports channel in Norway. In addition, he was named Hønefoss BK "Player of the Year" by Ringerikes Blad and "Supporters Player of the Year" by Fosseberget supporters section.

2014

Clark was acquired by the Columbus Crew in a sign-and-trade deal with the Seattle Sounders. The Sounders received a 2015 MLS SuperDraft fifth round selection in exchange for sending Clark's rights to Columbus.^[6]

Career statistics

As of 13 November 2013

References