.jpg)
PONTIAC,
MI
(February 1, 2010) -- Michigan Bucks standout goalkeeper the past four seasons, Steve Clark, has signed a contract with Norwegian Eliteserien (first division) club Honefoss this weekend, following two months on trial in England and Norway over the past two months. Terms of Oakland University alum’s contract have not been officially released, but according to Clark it included a substantial signing bonus and a wage that was far higher than was offered this past season while playing professionally in the
United States
with the United Soccer League’s (USL) Charleston Battery.
The straight forward goalkeeper has worked hard the past year to earn the contract and is in the mix to start in the nets when Honefoss open their season on March 14.
“I always knew I could play at this level, but I just haven’t been able to get myself in the right situation at the right time," said Clark from his new Oslo-based apartment. "I thank my coaches at
Oakland
University
that helped give me the confidence to believe in myself. I also want to thank the Michigan Bucks ownership and coaches for everything they have done to help me get my first pro contract last year. My four years with the Bucks went a long way to prepare me for what life was going to be like in the real world having to go out and fight for a job in pro soccer. I will always cherish my experience with the Bucks and will make them proud of me over here,” he said,
Steve played his first year for the Bucks in 2006 and was actually the second goalkeeper behind Dominic Cervi (who eventually went on to play for the US Olympic team).
Clark
patiently waited for his opportunity that season which finally came in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, where he led the Bucks to the third round and an eventual game against the Columbus Crew of Major League Soccer. That same season culminated in the Bucks winning the Premier Development League (PDL) Championship with a 2-1 win against the homestanding Laredo Heat, where
Clark was named the game’s Most Valuable Player.
In 2007, Clark led the team back to the PDL championship match where he shut out
Laredo
but fell in penalty kicks. The following season,
Clark
led the Bucks to the league’s best record as the Bucks claimed the PDL regular season championship. He also was the recipient of the 2008 Paul R. Scicluna Total Soccer Player of the Year, the Bucks highest annual honor. The standout keeper surpassed every Bucks player in history with over 75 games played, with the exception of two Bucks hall of famers, Tino Scicluna and Paul Snape (over 90 games each).
In over 75 games between the pipes for the Bucks,
Clark
saved more than a half dozen penalty kicks, but his most memorable moment didn’t involve a PK. “That one’s easy, our PDL championship win in Laredo in 2006 is by far the best night of my soccer career; one that I will never forget,” finished Clark.
FEBRUARY BUCKS CAMP REGISTRATION FILLING UP FAST
The Michigan Bucks are hosting two soccer camps the week of February 15-19, both with limited registration. Camps are broken up into two day sessions on Monday and Tuesday, February15/16 and Thursday and Friday, February 18/19. Each session will go from 12:00 noon until 4:30 and is only $89 per session.
The Bucks are offering a special discount for any camper that wants to attend both sessions (4 days of camp) for only $149. Soccer players, boys and girls of all ages 6-15 are welcome and will be placed in a training group of their skill level.
Bucks star forward and camp director Kenny Uzoigwe will be leading the group of highly qualified coaches that will insure each camper gets adequate training and education, as well as an enjoyable session. Bucks camp is held inside the luxurious Ultimate Soccer Arenas in
Pontiac
, home of the Michigan Bucks.
To enroll online, please visit the Bucks web site www.buckssoccer.com and click on the link Bucks Winter Camps. For further information, please contact the Bucks office at (248) 334-7460.
