Dempsey Nets First International Goal in England Tilt

May 31, 2005

Former Furman soccer standout and current New England Revolution forward/midfielder Clint Dempsey recorded his first career goal in international competition Saturday netting a 79th minute goal in the United States National Team's 2-1 loss to England at Soldier Field in Chicago, Ill.

Dempsey, who garnered 2004 Major League Soccer Rookie-of-the-Year honors, headed in a rebound for the only U.S. goal of the match after Carlos Bocanegra's shot on a Landon Donovan cross was deflected away by England keeper David James. The international friendly marked just the sixth appearance for Dempsey with the U.S. National Team.

The Nacogdoches, Texas, ranks second in the league in assists with four and third in goals with five just eight matches into his 2005 MLS campaign.

Dempsey scored 17 goals and recorded 19 assists for 53 points in his Paladin career at midfield and forward. He was selected to the NSCAA Second Team All-America squad in 2002 and was an All-Southern Conference selection all three years at Furman. He was also a two-time NSCAA All-South region choice. Dempsey was a key member of Furman's 2002 team that reached the third round of the NCAA Tournament and set NCAA standards for consecutive shutouts with 11 and a 43-match conference unbeaten streak.

Dempsey and the United States National Team will now travel to Salt Lake City, Utah, where it will play host to Costa Rica in a FIFA World Cup Qualifying final round match at 7:30 p.m. ET Saturday at Rice-Eccles Stadium.