Dempsey Debuts With United States National Team in 1-1 Draw Against Jamaica

Nov. 18, 2004

GREENVILLE, S.C. - Former Furman soccer standout and current New England Revolution forward/midfielder Clint Dempsey made his debut with the full United States National Team in a 1-1 draw with Jamaica in CONCACAF World Cup qualifying Wednesday night in Columbus, Ohio.

Dempey, who was named the 2004 Major League Soccer Rookie-of-the-Year last weekend, entered the match in the 66th minute for midfielder Ramiro Corrales. The Nacogdoches, Texas, native helped the United States overcome constant attack from the Jamaicans who needed to earn a victory to advance to the final round of qualifying for the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

"All in all it was a pretty good first outing," said Dempsey following the match. "Hopefully it was good enough to get more (playing time), but only time will tell."

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.

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's appearance with the full U.S. National Team was the first ever by a Furman player. Former Paladin and current New York/New Jersey MetroStars midfielder Ricardo Clark also trained with the team in Columbus, but was not named to the 18-man squad.

With the draw, the United States finishes 2004 on a 13-match unbeaten streak and will advance to the final round of CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying set to begin in February. The USA will be joined by Mexico, Trinidad & Tobago, Panama, Coasta Rica and Guatemala in the final round of qualifying. The top three finishers will advance to the 2006 World Cup in Germany.