USMT: 4 reasons why Clint Dempsey is Greatest of All Time

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NATAL, BRAZIL – JUNE 16: Clint Dempsey of the United States reacts after scoring his team’s first goal past goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey of Ghana during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Group G match between Ghana and the United States at Estadio das Dunas on June 16, 2014, in Natal, Brazil. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) /

Of all the players to have represented the red, white, and blue, Clint Dempsey is the greatest USMNT player of all time. Here are four reasons why.

With the lack of any actual soccer going on due to the COVID-19 pandemic, fans of the sport have been forced to reflect upon the past, and look back at their favorite teams and players. That has led to some arguments on social media as supporters feel the need to defend their choices on who they think is the best.

Listen to the latest episode of the MLS Multiplex podcast here! — What happens with COVID-19?

That’s no different for the United States Men’s National Team. Everyone is using their newly found free time to debate who is the program’s greatest of all time. I am no different, and I’ll be using this article to make my case for who the USMNT GOAT truly is: Clint Dempsey.

Here are four reasons why he is the greatest USMMT player of all time.

ORLANDO, FL – August 07: Clint Dempsey # 2 looks on after scoring a brace in the first half for the Seattle Sounders vs the Orlando City Lions at Citrus Bowl on August 07, 2016, in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Zachary Scheffer/Getty Images) /

4. MLS Star

Dempsey started his professional career back in 2004 when he was taken with the eighth pick in the MLS SuperDraft by the New England Revolution. He quickly became an integral part of the team, playing in all but one regular-season game and scoring seven goals in the process. New England made it to the Eastern Conference Finals, while Dempsey was eventually named the league’s Rookie of the Year, beating out the likes of Freddy Adu and Chad Marshall.

He didn’t suffer from a sophomore slump in his second season either, notching 10 goals and nine assists, adding a new dynamic to his game. The Revolution also made it all the way to the MLS Cup final where they were narrowly beaten by the Los Angeles Galaxy.

Dempsey was forced to deal with injuries the following year but he still played his part, coming off the bench in another final loss. His success led to a move abroad, but his time in MLS was not done quite yet.

In the summer of 2013, Dempsey signed with the Seattle Sounders. After taking a few months to reacclimate to life back in the US, the man they called Deuce began to shine once again. He quickly developed an incredible strike partnership with Obafemi Martins, and the two lit up MLS. Dempsey grabbed 15 goals in 2014 as Seattle won the Supporters’ Shield and the U.S. Open Cup but were eliminated by the Galaxy in the playoffs.

Dempsey showed up in big games when the Sounders needed him most. He constantly terrorized their biggest rivals, the Portland Timbers, scoring eight goals against them during his tenure. He also found the back of the net in various competitions, including the Open Cup, MLS Playoffs, and CONCACAF Champions League.

His time in the league almost ended in unfortunate circumstances as an irregular heartbeat ruled Dempsey out for the end of the 2016 season. However, he bounced back the following year, grabbing 12 goals and winning the Comeback Player of the Year award. During that time, he also won the MLS Cup with Seattle, finally picking up the piece of silverware that had eluded him his whole career.

Dempsey may have played in two completely different MLS eras, but he was dominant in both, which is a true testament of his talent.

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