Columbus Crew SC goalkeeper Steve Clark reached the career milestone of 300 MLS saves during the Black & Gold’s last match in Toronto, becoming just the third goalie in the club’s history to reach that mark. Clark’s 300 is also the most by any keeper in the League since the beginning of 2014, the year Clark joined the Black & Gold.
Black & Gold By the Numbers: Clark notches 300th career save
“I’m here to make saves — first and foremost — so if I’m making a lot of saves, I think that’s a good thing,” Clark said. “When we get back on track, I’ll be making less saves, which means hopefully I’m doing my job, and that’s what I aim to do.”
But if you take a closer look at Clark’s all-time stat sheet, one other big statistic stands out among the rest: games started.
Since coming to Columbus in 2014, Clark has started every regular-season match for Crew SC — joining New York Red Bulls’ Luis Robles and Vancouver Whitecaps’ David Ousted as the only shot-stoppers in MLS to do so for their respective clubs over that span. Additionally, while playing for Hönefoss BK in the Norwegian Tippeligaen, Clark started 90 consecutive matches between 2011-2013 — a combined total of 179 consecutive matches started, and counting.
“I think we have a really great training staff to keep me fit, and I do a lot of yoga and try to eat well; but I have a lot of thankfulness for our staff,” Clark said of his reliable run.
While the Black & Gold will have a break from League play this week — and prepare to host East-leading New York City FC on August 13— Clark says he has goals for himself during the bye week to ensure he continues to be at his best both on and off the pitch.
Three things to know: It's a bye week
“Number one is to get a little bit away from the game for the weekend, the weekend off," Clark said. "We don’t have many weekends off, so I’ll be looking forward to spending some time back in Michigan. Number two is to just continue developing on the things that I have sat out that I want to get better as a goalkeeper. I know that I’ve played for awhile now, but I’m still working to get better.
“And third is to be a positive influence, and really try to get this team confident, playing really well together, and doing anything I can to care for my teammates.”
