Rising Soccer Star, Former Paladin Clint Dempsey Featured in USA Today

July 28, 2005

Greenville, S.C.-- Former Furman soccer standout and current New England Revolution star Clint Dempsey was featured in Thursday's edition of USA Today in a story written by Andy Gardiner. Dempsey, who burst onto the United State's soccer scene by becoming the 2004 Gatorade Major League Soccer Rookie-of-the-Year, is one of the fastest rising stars in U.S. soccer.

The Nacogdoches, Texas, has tallied six goals and added eight assists in just 13 matches during the 2005 MLS campaign. His efforts landed him a spot on the MLS All-Star Team after receiving the second highest amount of votes behind forward Landon Donovan.

Dempsey has made 11 appearances with the U.S. National Team while scoring two goals. The former Paladin earned a start in last week's 2005 Gold Cup Final as the United States downs Panaman on penalty kicks. Dempsey also tallied the lone U.S. goal in a 2-1 loss to England in late May.

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. He was the eighth overall selection in the MLS Draft in 2004.

Dempsey and the MLS All-Stars will face English Premier League foe Fulham FC at 3:30 p.m. Saturday in Columbus, Ohio, in an exhibition match that will be televised live on ABC.

U.S. Midfielder Clint Dempsey is a star on the rise -- USA Today story