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Geoff Cameron

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Geoff Cameron
Cameron with the United States in 2013
Personal information
Full name Geoffrey Scott Cameron[1]
Date of birth (1985-07-11) July 11, 1985 (age 39)
Place of birth Attleboro, Massachusetts, United States
Height 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)[2]
Position(s) Defender
College career
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2004–2005 West Virginia Mountaineers 38 (4)
2006–2007 Rhode Island Rams 39 (6)
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2005–2007 Rhode Island Stingrays 33 (8)
2008–2012 Houston Dynamo 116 (11)
2012–2019 Stoke City 168 (2)
2018–2019 → Queens Park Rangers (loan) 19 (1)
2019–2021 Queens Park Rangers 70 (1)
2021–2022 FC Cincinnati 54 (0)
Total 460 (44)
International career‡
2010–2017 United States 55 (4)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of October 10, 2022
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of October 11, 2017

Geoffrey Scott "Geoff" Cameron (born July 11, 1985) is an American former professional soccer player who played as a defender.

Cameron began playing college soccer with the West Virginia Mountaineers and the Rhode Island Rams, as well as USL Premier Development League side Rhode Island Stingrays, before being drafted by Major League Soccer club Houston Dynamo in 2008. After an impressive second season in professional soccer Cameron was named as MLS Best XI in 2009 and helped Houston reach the final of the MLS Cup in 2011 as they lost 1–0 to the LA Galaxy. In July 2012 he joined English Premier League side Stoke City. Cameron spent six seasons with the Potters making 186 appearances before joining Queens Park Rangers in June 2018. Cameron spent three years at QPR before moving to FC Cincinnati in May 2021.

Club career

Early career

Cameron was born in Attleboro, Massachusetts and played youth soccer for Bayside United.[3] He attended Attleboro High School and Providence Country Day School before choosing West Virginia University for college. After making 28 starts in two seasons at West Virginia Mountaineers, Cameron transferred to the University of Rhode Island for his junior and senior years.[3] Cameron was an immediate starter and helped the Rhode Island Rams beat the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in the 2006 NCAA tournament, scoring in a shootout.[3] As a senior in 2007, Cameron was named midfielder of the Year in the Atlantic 10 Conference and was a first-team all-Mid Atlantic Region selection. During his college years, Cameron also played for Rhode Island Stingrays in the USL Premier Development League where he played 33 times in two seasons scoring eight goals.[3]

Houston Dynamo

Cameron was drafted by the Houston Dynamo in the third round (42nd overall) in the 2008 MLS SuperDraft.[4] He made his professional debut on March 29, 2008, coming on as a substitute in a 3–0 defeat against the New England Revolution.[4] In his first home appearance, on April 6, he scored a last-minute goal to help the Dynamo to a 3–3 draw with FC Dallas.[4] He became a regular substitute and sometimes starter for the Dynamo by mid-season.

Cameron playing for Houston Dynamo

On October 31, 2008, it was announced that Cameron was a finalist for MLS Rookie of the Year along with Sean Franklin and Kheli Dube.[5] Cameron played a key role for Houston in the CONCACAF Champions League and North American SuperLiga in 2008 and ended his debut season with 32 appearances, as the Dynamo reached the 2008 MLS Cup Playoffs but lost to New York Red Bulls in the semi-final. During the season Cameron also played for the reserves, helping them to win the MLS Reserve League.[4]

Cameron became a regular for Houston in the 2009 season playing mostly at center-back. He missed just one match in the regular season as Houston again made the play-offs.[4] They edged past Seattle Sounders FC 1–0 before losing 2–0 to Los Angeles Galaxy in the Western Conference final.[4] Cameron was selected for the 2009 MLS All-Star Game in Sandy, Utah, and he played all 90 minutes in the 1–1 draw with English Premier League side Everton. Cameron was also named in the MLS Best XI for the 2009 season.[4]

During the 2010 season, Cameron suffered a knee injury that kept him out for half of the season. He returned in August after undergoing knee surgery, and scored a 70th-minute header from a free kick by Brad Davis against D.C. United in the Dynamo's 3–1 win on September 25. His was restricted to 17 appearances in the 2010 season. Houston had a poor campaign and finished in seventh position.[4]

In the 2011 season, Cameron returned to the squad as Houston experienced a much better campaign, qualifying for the play-offs after finishing in second position. After beating Philadelphia Union over two legs, they defeated Sporting Kansas City 2–0 to reach the final of the MLS Cup against the Los Angeles Galaxy.[4] Cameron played the full 90 minutes as Houston lost 1–0. Cameron's performances during the season saw him named in the 2011 MLS All-Star Game against Manchester United where the MLS All-Stars lost 4–0.[4] Cameron played 15 games in the 2012 season before moving to England in the summer of 2012.[4]

Stoke City

Cameron agreed to join English Premier League club Stoke City on July 25, 2012, with the deal subject to a successful work permit appeal,[6] which was granted on August 8.[7] He played in his first match for Stoke in a 1–1 draw with German side SpVgg Greuther Fürth in a pre-season friendly.[8] He missed the opening match of the season away at Reading due to visa issues.[9] He made his Premier League debut in a 0–0 draw against Arsenal on August 26, 2012.[10] He has impressed since his arrival in England and has begun to play at right back, a position which Cameron is enjoying learning about.[11] He also described playing in the Premier League as "pretty special".[12] Cameron played 38 times for Stoke in 2012–13 as they finished in 13th position in the Premier League.[13] After the season finished Cameron admitted that towards the end of the season he began to struggle with fatigue after playing competitive soccer for 18 straight months.[14]

At the end of the season Tony Pulis left by mutual agreement and was replaced by Mark Hughes. Cameron stated that he wanted to try and impress Hughes at center-back.[15] Cameron remained at right-back and scored his first goal for Stoke on September 22, 2013, in a 3–1 defeat against Arsenal.[16][17] Cameron continued to be a key player in his attacking full-back role under Hughes and provided an assist for Peter Crouch in a 2–1 win over Aston Villa on December 21, 2013.[18][19] Cameron scored a rare goal on March 23, 2014, in a 4–1 win at Aston Villa.[20] Cameron played 41 times for Stoke in 2013–14 as they finished in 9th position in the Premier League.[21]

Cameron's start to the 2014–15 season was disrupted by a hernia injury which required surgery.[22] After recovering from his injury Cameron told manager Mark Hughes that he wants to begin playing in midfield.[23] Despite this Cameron continued to compete with Phil Bardsley for the right back position as the season progressed. He was sent-off for the first time in English soccer after conceding a penalty in a 4–1 FA Cup defeat away at Blackburn Rovers in February 2015.[24] Cameron signed a new three-year contract with Stoke on May 24, 2015.[25] Cameron played 31 times for Stoke in 2014–15 as the Potters finished in 9th position for a second season running and they ended the campaign with a 6–1 victory against Liverpool.[26][27] Cameron played 34 times in 2015–16 as Stoke again finished in ninth position.[28]

Stoke made a poor start to the 2016–17 season, failing to win a match until October with back-to-back wins over Hull City and Sunderland with Cameron impressing in midfield.[29][30] However, in that Hull match Cameron suffered a knee ligament injury which ruled him out until February 2017.[31] Cameron made 21 appearances in 2016–17, as Stoke finished in 13th position.[32][33] He signed a two-year contract extension in May 2017.[34] Cameron again made 21 appearances in 2017–18 as Stoke suffered relegation to the EFL Championship.[35]

Queens Park Rangers

Cameron joined Queens Park Rangers on loan for the 2018–19 season after not being part of Gary Rowett's plans.[36][37] Cameron played 19 times for Rangers scoring once in a 1–1 draw against Derby County on October 6, 2018.[38][39] Cameron made his move to Queens Park Rangers permanent on July 25, 2019.[40] Cameron was named captain of the QPR ahead of the 2020–21 season.[41]

On May 5, 2021, Cameron announced he will depart the club returning to his native America after making 90 appearances and scoring twice for QPR.[42]

FC Cincinnati

On May 13, 2021, Cameron returned to Major League Soccer and signed with FC Cincinnati on contract through the 2022 season with an additional option year.[43] He made his debut for the club on May 16 against Inter Miami CF, starting in the 3–2 defeat.[44] Cameron was released by Cincinnati following their 2022 season.[45]

International career

Cameron (left) playing for the United States in 2013

Cameron received his first call up to train with the senior United States national team in January 2009, but he was injured during the first week and was unable to play in the team's friendly against Sweden. He participated again in training with the team in Carson, California in January 2010, leading up to a friendly match against Honduras. Cameron did not play in that match, but he was again called into camp for the February 24, 2010, game against El Salvador in Tampa, Florida. He appeared as a substitute in the 86th minute for Robbie Rogers, recording his first cap for the national side, nearly scoring on a blazing strike that narrowly went over the bar.[46] In December 2011, Cameron was called up to coach Jürgen Klinsmann's camp. On January 21, 2012, he went 90 minutes in a friendly against Venezuela. Cameron scored his goal for the national team on May, 29 in a 4–2 defeat against Belgium.[47]

Cameron was a part of the United States national team during the 2014 FIFA World Cup. He started as central defender during the team's first two group stage games against Ghana and Portugal. He was benched for the third game against Germany. In the Round of 16 defeat against Belgium, Cameron started in central midfield.

Cameron sat out the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup due to a combination of injury and wanting to be with his club for preseason. Cameron started in every game at the Copa América Centenario in central defense alongside Hertha BSC's John Brooks.

Style of play

Cameron (center) at the announcement of the 20 for 20 campaign in 2011.

A versatile player who is currently featured as center back but can also play as a right back or defensive midfielder. Cameron is known for his aerial ability, strength, athleticism and composure on the ball.[48]

"Geoff has the mentality and all the skill-sets to succeed . . . Stoke and England are getting a quality player that they can be excited to see. He's good with the ball, he reads the game well and he's not going to lose possession of the ball while under pressure. If you're playing with Geoff Cameron, be prepared to play with the ball. He has the physical attributes to bang when he needs to but he also has a real confidence in the way he handles the ball and the way he passes out of the back."

— Former U.S. international and ESPN pundit Alexi Lalas speaks highly of Geoff Cameron.[49]

Personal life

During his time at Houston Dynamo, Cameron took part in a series of community service efforts to raise money for local charitable organizations in 2011 and 2012. The 20 for 20 campaign was started in September 2011 when Cameron, who wore the No. 20 jersey in Houston, announced a goal to raise a total of $20,000 for the Fisher House and Ronald McDonald House of Houston.[50] In March 2012, Cameron and the Dynamo announced the return of the 20 for 20 campaign with the same initial goal of $20,000, with proceeds going to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.[51] Growing up Cameron supported English side Manchester United and Italian side Juventus.[52] Since living in England Cameron has participated in local community work,[53]

Cameron was one of the few sportspeople who expressed support for then President Donald Trump's Executive Order 13769, which put a 90-day immigration freeze on several nations and suspended activity on the United States Refugee Admissions Program.[54]

Career statistics

Club

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition[55][56][57]
Club Season League National cup[a] League cup[b] Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Rhode Island Stingrays 2005 USL PDL 13 4 0 0 — — 13 4
2006 USL PDL 16 4 0 0 — — 16 4
2007 USL PDL 4 0 0 0 — — 4 0
Total 33 8 0 0 — — 33 8
Houston Dynamo 2008 Major League Soccer 23 1 1 0 1 0 11[c] 0 36 1
2009 Major League Soccer 29 2 2 2 3 0 7[d] 1 41 5
2010 Major League Soccer 16 3 0 0 — 1[e] 0 17 3
2011 Major League Soccer 33 5 0 0 4 0 — 37 5
2012 Major League Soccer 15 0 0 0 0 0 — 15 0
Total 116 11 3 2 8 0 19 1 146 14
Stoke City 2012–13[13] Premier League 35 0 2 0 1 0 — 38 0
2013–14[21] Premier League 37 2 2 0 2 0 — 41 2
2014–15[26] Premier League 27 0 2 0 2 0 — 31 0
2015–16[28] Premier League 30 0 0 0 4 0 — 34 0
2016–17[32] Premier League 19 0 0 0 2 0 — 21 0
2017–18[35] Premier League 20 0 1 0 0 0 — 21 0
Total 168 2 7 0 11 0 — 186 2
Queens Park Rangers (loan) 2018–19[39] Championship 19 1 0 0 0 0 — 19 1
Queens Park Rangers 2019–20[58] Championship 36 1 1 0 0 0 — 37 1
2020–21[59] Championship 34 0 1 0 0 0 — 35 0
Total 89 2 2 0 0 0 — 91 2
FC Cincinnati 2021[56] Major League Soccer 28 0 0 0 — — 28 0
2022[56] Major League Soccer 26 0 1 0 1 0 — 28 0
Total 54 0 1 0 1 0 — 56 0
Career total 460 23 13 2 20 0 19 1 512 26
  1. ^ Includes U.S. Open Cup and FA Cup
  2. ^ Includes MLS Cup Playoffs and EFL Cup
  3. ^ Two appearances in the CONCACAF Champions' Cup, four appearances in CONCACAF Champions League,
    and five appearances in North American SuperLiga
  4. ^ Two appearances in 2008–09 CONCACAF Champions League and five appearances and one goal in 2009–10 CONCACAF Champions League
  5. ^ Appearance in North American SuperLiga

International

Appearances and goals by national team and year[60]
National team Year Apps Goals
United States
2010 1 0
2011 0 0
2012 10 0
2013 12 1
2014 8 0
2015 6 2
2016 12 1
2017 6 0
Total 55 4
International goals by date, venue, cap, opponent, score, result and competition
No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition Ref
1. May 29, 2013 FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio  Belgium
1–1
2–4
 Friendly [61]
2. October 10, 2015 Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California  Mexico
1–1
2–3
 2015 CONCACAF Cup [62]
3. November 13, 2015 Busch Stadium, St. Louis, Missouri  Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
4–1
6–1
 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification [63]
4. March 29, 2016 Mapfre Stadium, Columbus, Ohio  Guatemala
2–0
4–0
 [64]

Honors

Houston Dynamo

Individual

References

  1. ^ "Notification of shirt numbers: Queens Park Rangers" (PDF). English Football League. p. 57. Retrieved September 25, 2020.
  2. ^ "Premier League Player Profile Geoff Cameron". Premier League. Barclays Premier League. 2015. Archived from the original on March 29, 2016. Retrieved January 15, 2015.
  3. ^ a b c d "MLS Soccer Geoff Cameron Player Profile". Major League Soccer. Retrieved August 1, 2014.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "Geoff Cameron". Houston Dynamo. Retrieved June 12, 2013.
  5. ^ "MLS announces finalists for 2008 awards". Soccer By Ives. Archived from the original on February 11, 2012. Retrieved February 10, 2009.
  6. ^ "City Close In On Cameron". Stoke City F.C. Retrieved July 27, 2012.
  7. ^ "Cameron Granted Work Permit". Stoke City F.C. Retrieved August 8, 2012.
  8. ^ "Kightly strikes in Stoke draw". Sky Sports. Retrieved August 10, 2012.
  9. ^ "Geoff Cameron to miss season opener at Reading due to visa issues". The Sentinel. Retrieved January 18, 2013.
  10. ^ "Stoke City 0–0 Arsenal". BBC Sport. Retrieved August 26, 2012.
  11. ^ "Geoff Cameron happy to help Potters upset Liverpool's Boston owners". The Sentinel. Retrieved October 9, 2012.
  12. ^ "Stoke new-boy Cameron: Playing in the Premier League feels pretty special". Goal.com. October 19, 2012. Retrieved November 9, 2012.
  13. ^ a b "Games played by Geoff Cameron in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved April 19, 2017.
  14. ^ "Cameron's Goal". Stoke City F.C. Retrieved July 18, 2013.
  15. ^ "Geoff Cameron out to impress new boss Mark Hughes". The Sentinel. Retrieved July 13, 2013.
  16. ^ "Arsenal 3–1 Stoke". BBC Sport. Retrieved September 22, 2013.
  17. ^ "Geoff Cameron enjoying his more forward thinking role for the Potters". The Sentinel. Retrieved September 23, 2013.
  18. ^ "Stoke defender Geoff Cameron delighted with attacking contribution". Sky Sports. Retrieved December 24, 2013.
  19. ^ "Key man Geoff Cameron will keep sending in crosses". Stoke Sentinel. Archived from the original on December 26, 2013. Retrieved December 24, 2013.
  20. ^ "Aston Villa 1–4 Stoke". BBC Sport. Retrieved April 1, 2014.
  21. ^ a b "Games played by Geoff Cameron in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved April 19, 2017.
  22. ^ "Geoff Cameron hit by hernia blow". Stoke Sentinel. Archived from the original on October 21, 2014. Retrieved September 10, 2014.
  23. ^ "Geoff Cameron ready to seize his moment in the middle". Stoke Sentinel. Archived from the original on October 27, 2014. Retrieved October 24, 2014.
  24. ^ "Blackburn 4–1 Stoke". BBC Sport. Retrieved May 25, 2015.
  25. ^ "Stoke City 6–1 Liverpool: Geoff Cameron says team are improving". BBC Sport. Retrieved May 25, 2015.
  26. ^ a b "Games played by Geoff Cameron in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved April 19, 2017.
  27. ^ "Stoke 6–1 Liverpool". BBC Sport. Retrieved May 25, 2015.
  28. ^ a b "Games played by Geoff Cameron in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved April 19, 2017.
  29. ^ "REVEALED: How Geoff Cameron and Joe Allen have transformed Stoke City's team shape". Stoke Sentinel. Retrieved May 26, 2017.[permanent dead link‍]
  30. ^ "Stoke City: Geoff Cameron – The longer I stay in midfield, the better I'll get". Stoke Sentinel. Retrieved May 26, 2017.[permanent dead link‍]
  31. ^ "Geoff Cameron on verge of Stoke City return says agent". Stoke Sentinel. Retrieved May 26, 2017.[permanent dead link‍]
  32. ^ a b "Games played by Geoff Cameron in 2016/2017". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved April 19, 2017.
  33. ^ "Stoke 2016/17 Premier League season review". Sky Sports. Retrieved May 22, 2017.
  34. ^ "Geoff Cameron extends his stay at Stoke City". Stoke Sentinel. Archived from the original on May 26, 2017. Retrieved May 26, 2017.
  35. ^ a b "Games played by Geoff Cameron in 2017/2018". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved August 12, 2017.
  36. ^ Percy, John (August 13, 2018). "Stoke manager Gary Rowett tells Charlie Adam, Giannelli Imbula and two others they can leave club". The Telegraph. Retrieved September 4, 2018.
  37. ^ "Geoff Cameron: QPR sign Stoke defender on season-long loan". BBC Sport. Retrieved September 4, 2018.
  38. ^ "QPR 1-1 Derby". BBC Sport. October 6, 2018. Retrieved October 7, 2018.
  39. ^ a b "Games played by Geoff Cameron in 2018/2019". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved August 31, 2018.
  40. ^ "Geoff Cameron re-joins QPR on permanent basis". QPR. Retrieved July 25, 2019.
  41. ^ "Geoff Cameron named QPR captain". QPR. Retrieved September 11, 2020.
  42. ^ "QPR skipper Geoff Cameron set to depart". QPR. Retrieved May 12, 2021.
  43. ^ "FC Cincinnati sign defender Geoff Cameron to multi-year deal". Major League Soccer. May 13, 2021. Retrieved August 31, 2021.
  44. ^ "FC Cincinnati 2–3 Inter Miami CF". Soccerway.
  45. ^ "FC Cincinnati announce roster decisions ahead of 2023 season | FC Cincinnati". fccincinnati.
  46. ^ "United States 2 – 1 El Salvador". ESPN. Archived from the original on February 28, 2010. Retrieved August 8, 2012.
  47. ^ "USMNT 2, Belgium 4 International Friendly Recap". MLS. Archived from the original on June 1, 2013. Retrieved May 30, 2013.
  48. ^ Creditor, Avi. "Preseason MLS Power Rankings: Defending champ Galaxy on top". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved July 9, 2012.
  49. ^ "Cameron tipped for success". ESPN. Retrieved August 8, 2012.
  50. ^ "Geoff Cameron announces 20 for 20 campaign" (Press release). Houston Dynamo. August 9, 2012. Archived from the original on September 24, 2011. Retrieved August 17, 2012.
  51. ^ "Geoff Cameron announces 20 for 20 campaign to benefit Leukemia & Lymphoma Society" (Press release). Houston Dynamo. March 29, 2012. Retrieved August 17, 2012.
  52. ^ Stoke City Official Matchday Magazine November 24, 2012, v Fulham
  53. ^ "Stoke City's Geoff Cameron visits local community". The Sentinel. Retrieved January 18, 2013.
  54. ^ Critchley, Mark (February 7, 2017). "Donald Trump's 'Muslim ban' supported by Stoke City defender Geoff Cameron". The Independent. Retrieved February 8, 2017. I am pleased he is making security of all Americans one of his top priorities. Our enemies have stated—and in Europe they have proven—they will take advantage of lax immigration procedures for the purposes of staging attacks.
  55. ^ "Geoff Cameron". Soccerbase. Retrieved July 23, 2013.
  56. ^ a b c "USA - G. Cameron - Profile with news, career statistics and history - Soccerway". us.soccerway.com. Retrieved January 19, 2020.
  57. ^ "Geoff Cameron". Major League Soccer. Retrieved January 19, 2020.
  58. ^ "Games played by Geoff Cameron in 2019/2020". Soccerbase. Centurycomm.
  59. ^ "Games played by Geoff Cameron in 2020/2021". Soccerbase. Centurycomm.
  60. ^ "Cameron, Geoff". National Football Teams. Benjamin Strack-Zimmermann. Retrieved March 29, 2016.
  61. ^ "UNITED STATES VS. BELGIUM 2 – 4". Soccerway. Retrieved May 20, 2016.
  62. ^ "UNITED STATES VS. MEXICO 2 – 3". Soccerway. Retrieved May 20, 2016.
  63. ^ "UNITED STATES VS. ST. VINCENT / GRENADINES 6 – 1". Soccerway. Retrieved May 20, 2016.
  64. ^ "UNITED STATES VS. GUATEMALA 4 – 0". Soccerway. Retrieved May 20, 2016.
  65. ^ a b c "DYNAMO AWARDS". houstondynamo.com. Archived from the original on September 3, 2020. Retrieved June 9, 2018.
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