Earthquakes defender Goodson ruled out for remainder of 2016 season

San Jose Earthquakes central defender Clarence Goodson has been ruled out for the remainder of the 2016 MLS season as he prepares to undergo surgery on Thursday to repair a herniated disc in his back, the club announced.

"I'm extremely disappointed that I cannot play and contribute to the team this season," Goodson wrote in a note posted on his official Twitter account. "I have given everything I have to the rehab process but unfortunately I could not get healthy enough to play games.

"At this time a surgery is necessary not just for soccer but in order to function in everyday life."

Goodson started the first two matches of the 2016 campaign, against the Colorado Rapids and the Portland Timbers, but was ruled out following the Timbers match with "back tightness" and has not played since.