Former Furman Standout Clint Dempsey Named MLS Rookie-of-the-Year

Nov. 15, 2004

GREENVILLE, S.C. - Former Furman soccer standout and current New England Revolution forward/midfielder Clint Dempsey was named Major League Soccer's Rookie-of-the-Year, it was announced this weekend at the league's banquet in Carson, Calif. Dempsey edged out 15-year-old phenom Freddy Adu of D.C. United and Columbus Crew defender Chad Marshall to claim rookie honors.

Dempsey eanred 23 starts and tallied seven goals and an assist while helping the Revolution to the MLS semifinals this season. The Nacodoches, Texas, native broke into the New England lineup early in the season due to injuries. Dempsey made the most of his opportunity, tallying six goals and earning an invitation to the 2004 MLS All-Star Game. He was forced to forego the all-star game and six regular season contests do to a broken jaw suffered in early July.

"Winning rookie-of-the-year is a great honor for Clint and we are very proud of what he has accomplished," said Furman head coach Doug Allison. "Clint has represented Furman and its soccer program very well since beginning his professional career."

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, a former member of the United States Under-20 National Team, is currently in Columbus, Ohio, training with the full national team in preparation for Wednesday night's World Cup qualifier against Jamaica.

Current New York/New Jersey MetroStars midfielder and former Paladin Ricardo Clark, the second overall pick in the 2003 MLS draft, was one of three finalists for rookie-of-the-year honors last season.