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Despite only making one appearance for Sunderland, Lynden Gooch has signed a three-year contract extension with the Black Cats.
The U.S. youth international, who played with the under-20 squad at the CONCACAF U-20 Championship, shared his excitement for the extension and enthusiasm for his club on his Twitter account:
3 more years at this amazing club that's gave me everything,thank you for all the kind messages @SunderlandAFC #safc pic.twitter.com/oCMCIREF4Y
— Lynden Gooch (@lyndengooch46) April 21, 2016
The 20-year old California native has made one appearance for Sunderland, a League Cup victory against Exeter City in August. He spent time on loan with Conference side Gateshead and Doncaster Rovers of League One.
Gooch joined Sunderland in 2012 and played with the club's various youth sides. He was named Barclays U-21 Premier League Player of the Month in September.
As always, it's good to see young American players surviving and thriving abroad. The next step for Gooch is pushing for first team minutes, whether it's at Sunderland next season or on loan. Sunderland is currently in 18th place in the English Premier League and would be relegated if the season ended today. Would relegation increase Gooch's chance at first-team minutes next season? Probably, but it seems like he's on track for them anyway even if the club pushes ahead of Norwich and avoids relegation.