CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO:

CLINT DEMPSEY CHIPS JUVENTUS

Clint Dempsey is one of the most successful men’s players in international soccer history. He starred for the USMNT, delivering big goals in multiple World Cups, and captained teams to tournament victories. But his biggest impact on American soccer may be the success he had playing in England for Fulham. From his arrival in January 2007, Dempsey became a big part of Fulham’s plans. He helped the Cottagers avoid relegation with a May 5th goal over Liverpool, and it was the first of many big goals he’d score for the club.

But none was bigger than his 2010 goal against Juventus in the Europa League. Having improbably worked their way back from a three goals deficit in the tie with the Italian giants, Dempsey entered the game as a late substitute and delivered an audacious goal that would go down in both the Fulham and American soccer history books.

Doug Allison recruited Dempsey to play at Furman and helped him develop into the player that would win the MLS Rookie of the Year award in 2004, and ultimately earn a starring role at Fulham. Allison joined the show to talk about what makes Dempsey a special player and human, how playing in Europe was always a key goal, and how his career has impacted soccer in America.