Lynden Gooch

Background

Gooch was born in Santa Cruz, California to a British father and an Irish mother.

Career

Youth

At an early age, he joined the Santa Cruz Breakers Academy team Gooch"s talent attracted the attention of several European outfits, earning him a trial and eventual spot with Sunderland"s youth academy. Since joining the Sunderland U-16 side, Gooch worked his way through the U-18 and U-21 sides.

Professional

In February 2015, Gooch went on loan to Conference (fifth-tier) side, Gateshead, in order to receive playing time in a senior-level environment.

On January 21, 2016, Gooch was loaned for a month to Doncaster Rovers of League One. He made his debut for them two days later, playing the full 90 minutes of a goalless draw at Fleetwood Town.

On 24 February 2016 the loan was extended till then end of the season. However, Gooch injured his ankle in his debut against Fleetwood but continued to play through the pain until 19 February 2016 when he returned to Sunderland.

He left playing 10 games and failing to score.

International.

Achievements

• Gooch made seven appearances and scored one goal, putting them ahead in a 3–1 home win against Wrexham and causing an own goal by opponent Steve Tomassen. Gooch made his professional debut for Sunderland on August 26, 2015 in a League Cup second round match against Exeter City, coming on for Adam Matthews in the 58th minute of a 6–3 win at the Stadium of Light. Gooch represented the United States under-20 team at the 2015 CONCACAF Championship in Jamaica, playing four games as they achieved qualification for the year"s World Cup in that category.