Report: San Jose Earthquakes goalkeeper David Bingham loaned to Norwegian First Division side Strommen IF

A report from Norway has San Jose Earthquakes goalkeeper David Bingham signing a loan deal with Strommen IF of the Norwegian First Division, the second tier of Norway football. The loan agreement, according to the report on the club's official website, is for the rest of the season, which runs until early November. A spokesperson for the Quakes confirmed that the loan deal had been completed.

Wanted to thank all the @SAScorpions fans for their support this year. On to the next adventure in Norway! @naslofficial @Crocketteers

— David Bingham (@BinghamDb) August 12, 2014

Strommen IF are currently in the middle of its season and with a record of 6-7-5 are mired in the middle of the First Division table. Only a good run of form would move Strommen into the promotion playoffs to reach Norway's top division, the Tippeligaen. The club will also need to be wary of dropping into the relegation zone, of which they are currently three points clear. Bingham is expected to fight for a starting position as soon as his paperwork is completed.

Bingham last played for the Earthquakes in the U.S. Open Cup fifth round match at the Seattle Sounders that the Quakes lost on penalties. Bingham earned a victory in the previous round of the tournament with a 2-1 result over Sacramento Republic FC.

Since joining the Earthquakes as part of a weighted lottery prior to the 2011 MLS season, Bingham has ascended to no better than number two on the depth chart. Incumbent goalkeeper Jon Busch has made the position his own, limiting Bingham to four starts in four seasons with the Quakes. Bingham featured as the starting 'keeper in the Quakes first three CCL group stage games last year, but Busch took over for the remainder of that tournament.

Last November, Bingham trained with Danish club FC Copenhagen with an eye toward a loan deal or outright transfer. Upon his return to the U.S., Bingham resumed training with the Quakes and earlier this season was loaned out to NASL side San Antonio Scorpions, where he made some spectacular saves in 10 appearances. The Scorpions finished third in the Spring 2014 NASL season.

Bingham is probably best known for the unbelievable goal he scored for San Jose against West Bromwich Albion in a friendly in 2011. The video of that goal went viral on the Internet and spawned an annual competition hosted by the Earthquakes for season ticket holders called "Boot it like Bingham." Any fan who could repeat Bingham's feat would be awarded free season tickets. No one has yet to claim the prize.