Ricardo Clark is returning to Houston.
The former Dynamo standout central midfielder has re-signed with the club after trying his hand abroad, according to Houston's FOX affiliate, which reported the acquisition as a done deal on Thursday afternoon.
Because Clark left MLS on a free transfer and the Dynamo made him a bona fide offer before he left, Houston maintained his MLS rights, so he was not subjected to the league's allocation order upon his return. And because Clark's contract with Eintracht Frankfurt was terminated as of July 31 and he was a free agent, he was allowed to sign with the team outside of the transfer window.
Clark, 29, began his time with the San Jose Earthquakes/Dynamo franchise in 2005 after starting his MLS career with the New York/New Jersey MetroStars. He was a key cog in the Dynamo's MLS Cup championship teams in 2006 and 2007 and departed for Europe along with Stuart Holden prior to the Dynamo's forgettable 2010 season.
Clark was a starter for the U.S. men's national team during the 2010 World Cup, but he struggled to secure regular playing time at Eintracht Frankfurt and was sent on loan to Stabaek in Norway this past February. With Geoff Cameron departing for Stoke City, Clark provides a well-qualified option to slide into his place in the midfield, where Cameron had shifted up to after starting the season at centerback.
In his return to the national team this past January, Clark scored the game-winning goal in the waning moments of the United States' 1-0 victory over Venezuela at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. Depending on Clark's match fitness and when he is officially added to the Dynamo roster, his first game could come against his former team. The Dynamo play the Red Bulls on back-to-back Fridays, starting this Friday at BBVA Compass Stadium, where first place in the Eastern Conference is on the line.
——————-
What do you think of this development? Do you think this move makes Houston the favorite to top the Eastern Conference?
Share your thoughts below.