Former Paladin Clint Dempsey Named Honda U.S. Player Of The Year

Oct. 3, 2006

Greenville, S.C. - Former Furman standout and current New England Revolution midfielder Clint Dempsey was chosen as the Honda United States Soccer Player-of-the-Year, it was announced on Tuesday in Los Angeles, Calif.

The U.S. national team star had four goals in nine games for his country this year, including one in the World Cup, and finished tied for the team lead in goals. Dempsey, who made his debut with the national team in 2004, has scored six goals in his 23 career matches.

A three-time MLS All-Star, Dempsey was a key member of Furman's 2002 team that posted a 19-3-1 record, reached the third round of the NCAA Tournament and set NCAA standards for consecutive shutouts (11) and longest conference unbeaten streak (43 matches). 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.

Now in his third season with the New England Revolution, Dempsey garnered MLS rookie of the year in 2004 with seven goals in 24 games.

Dempsey edged out last year's player of the year recipient and United States goalkeeper Kasey Keller in voting by 207 U.S. sports journalists. Forward Brian McBride finished third in the balloting.