Clint Dempsey keeps re-writing the record books.
A few weeks after setting the single-season goal record for an American in the Premier League, Dempsey scored twice in Fulham's 3-0 victory over Bolton Wednesday to become the club's career leading goal scorer in the Premier League era with 33.
Dempsey tied Brian McBride and Steed Malbranque with a nifty side volley from inside the area in the 15th minute and set the record three minutes into the second half by touching home a flick from Eidur Gudjohnsen inside the 6-yard box. Dempsey now has 12 goals in league play and 13 overall this season.
Here are highlights of Dempsey's goals:
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What do you think of Dempsey's record? What'd you think of the goals? Is he having the best season for an American Abroad ever?
Share your thoughts below.
LIKE A BOSS
Headline is a little bombastic. All-time leading scorer in the Prem more like it. Prem league is not that old, and Fulham hasn’t always been in it. Big deal, but not TOO big.
Wish I’d watched this instead of RM vs Barca.
Very happy for Dempsey!
Congrats Dempsey on a great achievement! Well done, you make us proud. I wonder when you will have to justify your spot in the starting XI again.
Way to go, Clint. Proof positive that it helps never to be named “soon-to-be-the-first-great-American-international-star,” that’s it’s best to stick with developing for a club you can actually play with, bear with some (undeserved) grief from Nats fans, and prove your worth over time.
Way to go Deuce!
“Fulham’s leading top-flight goal scorer” would be more appropriate.
In true Dempsey fashion, he has the best season for an American in Europe and will probably end the year with no more notoriety or fanfare than he started with. He’s a legend at a club with very little top-flight history. I still hope he gets a chance to join a stacked club where he gets to benefit from being surrounded by quality instead of being one in a small number of quality players at Fulham.
@Alex….You are a clown…This is a huge thing for an American to achieve.
alex DOES have a point…he is not fulhams all time leading goal scorer…not even close actually…its a little bit of hyperbole.
The first goal by Dempsey was sick. How has he not moved up from Fulham over all these years?!?!
maybe big teams dont see quality in him and i dont mean the goals i say more of team work. if not he would have been bought by clubs like liverpool,man city,man united because of the amount of goals he has is amazing.
It says in Pl era u clown, learn to read.
Dempsey is the definition of “boss.”
I think the problem is that he is American. I’m not trying to be negative here, but it seems like American players have to work harder than equally skilled European players to get respect. Imagine if Dempsey had the kind of service Chicharito was getting at ManU. That would be a thing to see.
Jesse is right.
Dempsey does pull rabbits out of a hat. But his overall game play is rather lacking. And I think his cynical play is really hurting his progression.
If he would just shut up for 10 seconds he might be more successful.
Small number of quality players at Fulham? Really? Every member of their starting XI is a quality EPL caliber player. This is not the Wolves or Wigan here…I mean it is not like this squad is coming of a Europa League final or anything.
Clubs are still skeptical over American players despite the goals we’ve been scoring in recent years. I think first touch and creativity with the ball is what is still holding our players back. It goes all the way down to our youth clubs and overemphasizing tactics rather then technique. Not saying that we don’t have fantastic players now-a-days, but we still lack a few basic technical skills. But this will come in due time. The strides we’re making are obviously dramatic Well done Clint
As a fulham fan, i can tell you we’d be in the drop zone without Clint this year. Just a quick look through his stats this year shows you his goals are responsible for about 10 points or so for Fulham. He’s been clutch from the day he set foot in the cottage, and if/when he leaves, I’ll be sad to see him go.
D*E*U*C*E!!!!!!
as much as I love dempsey, Chicharito is a better player than dempsey, though their games are completely different
He meant in the title…
Clint is the best I love watching him play. That first goal was unbelievable. Hopefully he gets a chance to play in the Champions League sooner rather than later… a big move this summer?
Can you read a headline, clown? That’s what drives hit anyway.
“Pull rabbits out of a hat”
“Overall gam play is lacking”
“Cynical play”
How many meaningless cliches can you fit into one post? Way to use a bunch of phrases that have no qualification as though you invented them. Good call Jack.
If you don’t recognize talent then you’re an idiot.
Not top flight. It’s Premier League – Prem League started in 91, unless you kids weren’t around to remember the First Division. Different times, then.
I agree, I would even go as far as saying if Dempsey had the service Messi gets at Barca he would be scoring 50+ goals every season.
Lack of an EU passport can be a deal-breaker these days. Is he really good enough to take up and int’l roster spot for another team? That could be the real question.
He scores with his left,
He scores with his right,
That boy Dempsey,
Makes drogba look sh * te!
+1
“Overall game play is rather lacking”?
13 goals for a Premier League team is pretty successful if you ask me. And he has played well for the U.S. over the last few years. You’re crazy if you think he hasn’t “progressed”–how many other MLS players (not goalies) went on to have great Premier League careers after a few seasons in the U.S. besides McBride?
Clint is the best and his attitude is why he has succeeded in England…
They changed the headline, now. Before it just read “all-time leading scorer.” Guess it’s just my luck that I was one of the first commentors and noticed it.
It certainly looks that way. If an English player scored this many goals, he would be courted by all the big clubs and sign a huge contract during the transfer window. Andy Carroll has scored 13 goals just like Clint, and Clint will never see the same pay day for two reasons: 1. Age 2. He’s American. I don’t want to be that guy that believes that Americans aren’t treated equally in europe but it’s true. Listen to the announcers when watching EPL games, and look how many times Clint has to prove his worth.
you know what man united owners are american so it cant be because he is american. sorry for the lowercase a im just to lazy to press the cap lock
Clint Dempsey is good at playing soccer.
Both quality goals. First was excellent.
I’m not ready to say that. Chicharito has been scoring like its going out of style, but how many of those goals have been tap ins from < 6 yards? Sure, speed, instinct, and poaching ability is great for a forward, but he is greatly complimented by ManU’s superior service. Dempsey makes goals for himself in ways that Chicharito has not done thus far in the PL. At least that’s my take on it.
+1, especially re past undeserved grief from Nats fans, driven by John Harkes’ jealous criticism… of the bronze boot winner at Confeds Cup.
Anyway, good for Deuce.
An English commentator salivating over the technique displayed by an American player. LOVE IT
Well let’s not get carried away.
Still, fact is with Fulham-quality service, Dempsey is ahead of Rooney, Drogba, Torres, AND Chicharito in the goals scored department, tied for 8th on the list.
I suspect he could move up some, but when rumors of his move to Liverpool surfaced fans slammed him…really a little bit of presumption US field players are not quality has to be part of the story Clint hasn’t had big money offers to move.
Not that he is not doing well at Fulham, so maybe he has just been realistic as to what level of team gives him best chance to play 90 minutes most weeks.
More goals than Rooney. More goals than Torres. Same amount as Drogba. Haters still gonna hate.
+1
I don’t think the Glazers have as much sway over SAF’s player choices as you think they do.
+1
More EPL goals than Drogba, and everybody’s new fave Chicharito too.
And Rooney.
But yeah he needs to work on his game ; )
If Clint was English he’d be a 30m pound player, if EU 20m euros, with US passport – his estimated transfer price is about $13m.
well, then you don’t watch a lot of Fulham games. In fact, today’s game was a perfect example. For every full volley to the upper 90 there is a tap in/right place right time kind of goal for Clint. He’s great, but chicharito is better.
perfectly articulated…let’s not forget the countless penalties he has fairly won, he has had the best epl season ever by an american, and I don’t think it’s that close
CLINT EASTWOOD DEMPSEY! He’s got his six shooters out, thanksgivings come early and we’re going to church!
small number of quality players? you’re kidding, right?
sweet…both of them
))
Go Clint!
Aren’t Dempsey and Hernandez tied for goals? But with Hernandez having 10 less games and about half of those as a sub all while being his 1st season in the EPL.
same here. that game was everything that is wrong about soccer.
Both goals were brilliant.
98 out of 100 times that first goal ends up in the stands about 30th row; Clint showed great control and technique to get that on target. Ok, maybe just 9 time out of 10.
The second goal I would even say was Messi-esque in its audacity, a back heel from 8 yards out…wow.
Quite demoralizing to defenders and keepers.
He does need to work on his game. I love Dempsey as a player but he has some glaring weaknesses in his game. I watch every Fulham match and his effort is sometimes lacking. He lacks pace and doesn’t always track back on defense. He also tries to do to much Captain America type nonsense that seldom works. His scoring record speaks for itself and should be commended but comparing him to Rooney or Drogba is laughable in my opinion.
Seriously man, do you watch Fulham play? An overwhelming majority of his goals this year have been as a result of great service from others.
maybe
Come on. Grow up.
fine addition i do concur
But not too lazy to spend time writing an extra sentence about why you didn’t press the shift button.
True, but if you play forward for Manchester United, you also have more opportunities to score because your team is always on offense.
What about Tim Howard?
Dempsey, McBride and thomas dooley are the three greatest American players of all time in my opinion. We have others that run faster and that are smoother. But these three had bite courage, grit and talent
Barcelona bought Dempsey on my FiFa manager mode when I coached Tottenham if that means anything lol….
Claudio Reyna should also be up there
You must not know the game very well. Chicharito is only has speed and great positional skill. His touch is horrendous, but he makes great runs. Clint is a much better overall player, if he was getting the same service he would be scoring as much as chicharito.
He also scored two goals in the WC against no other than France and Argentina, “complimented” by the superior services of one Cuahtemoc Blanco. How many goals did Depsey score in the WC again?…FOOL!
duh… Landon?
It’s eazy to score when all you have to do is tap it in from 4 yards out and you’re getting service from Gigs, Nani, Rooney and Patrice Evra.
Incredible goal world class. Too bad he doesnt do that with the US
Quality players really counts, its great that they give enough attention to this
Good point there.
From the BBC write up: “It was no more than Fulham deserved, their enterprising play – and the creative and incisive Dempsey – proving too much for a jaded Bolton side.”
“Baby, if you’re feeling good, and baby if you’re feeling nice, you know your man is workin’ hard, he’s worth a deuce…”
Congrats and COYW!
Ummmm….I’m pretty sure Dempsey has scored two goals in World Cup competition. Just sayin’.
Yes, quite.
Not “like” a boss… actually a boss.
+1
After scrolling and reading through every message, I finally found someone who understands football.
Absolutely – Reyna was brilliant
yes indeed.
Chris, do you live in BR? I’m in Prairieville.
Although the average talent on the USMNT roster is probably as good as Fulham’s, they don’t have the benefit of practicing together every single day, Dempsey typically doesn’t line up as a striker for the US, and when he does, his strike partner is typically not as good as he has at Fulham. Were all these conditions met, I’m sure Dempsey would be just as prolific for the Nats as for Fulham.
…send a slick pass (like a boss)..dribble some fools (like a boss)..stare down the ref…make some jaws drop…drop a deuce on bolton…
“So that is a typical day Mr. Dempsey?”
Way to go dempsey but he is the exception not the rule. For american players to be truly great they need to be in European youth set ups from the start, or as early as possible…. Agree though the hype trains come to quick.. Another reason for them to be in Europe.. If these really good players are in the european leagues they will develop properly and avoid the excessive hype. They will be in reserve teams from a young age amongst players as good or better then them. Part of the problem is these USA players are getting starts to young for MLS teams leading to the hype. Americans seem to hate seeing young american players in youth and reserve teams but thats where they should be (in europe)
I graduated from LSU, and return there every year for the Spanish Town Mardi Gras, followed by Lundi Gras in Mamou.
Mito as in Mitochondrion?
There were rumors about Liverpool and AC Milan making moves for him. But he seems happy at Fulham.
Baller! Well done, Duece. Still time to add a few more before the season ends. Keep it up, Clint.
In addition to his goal scoring knack, Deuce is a versatile player capable of playing forward, left, right and center of the midfield attack. This gives managers a tactical advantage with substitutions and flexibility with injuries. That is why a move to a CL level club in a big league is possible. It’s likely on these teams he is not the BEST at any position on the team. So my concern is that he would probably end up as a utility sub barring injury.
you either don’t watch all of fulhams game or you “got into” soccer in your adult years
These comment threads always make me laugh. On posts about the national team, I read all these comments about how the national team exceeds expectations because we have no great players. Don’t blame Bradley when we play horribly! Some of those same people are now saying Dempsey is world class, as good as Messi and Rooney even, but anti-Americanism keeps him from signing with a top club. So I’m confused, which is it?
I disagree, I think Fulham has more talent than on the National Team…Fulham’s back line is immense. Hangeland is a legit top 10 CB and Hughes is not slouch either. RB and LB are better than for the USMNT as well and with Holden out do not have a distributor of the quality of Murphy. Upfront you can’t compare. USMNT has nobody near the quality of Zamora or the skill of Dembelee….just my opinion though.
+ a billion
Someone please tell me why Dempsey isn’t considered the USA’s top striker? And why is it supposedly Jozy Altidore?
Jozy couldn’t score a goal like Dempsey’s or Juan Agudelo’s or even Chad Barrett’s from last week in a lifetime!
I agree for the most part – in some places, RB for instance, ‘dolo is better than Baird, and Donovan would start for Fulham, however, H&H are superior to the US CBs. Dembele is something special and I’ll cherish his time at Fulham because he will be plying his trade at Milan, Madrid or a Man Utd. soon enough.
When did someone say Demps was as good as Messi or Rooney?
Someone earlier did suggest that Demps would score 50 if he had Messi’s service, which is a bit much. I like Demps as much as the next person but let us not turn him into someone he isn’t. Also, he can be a bit of a jerk, as seen in last weekends game, but that attitude is, in part, what got him where he is, so it is difficult to condemn it.
Said it before, I’ll say it again – Dempsey is the best player in the USMNT pool and the best outfield player ever to play abroad. Donovan has been huge and his contributions must be appreciated, but when it comes to playing in the big leagues and having a goal scorer’s mentality, Deuce is the best.
I see your point: and that only strengthens my defense of Dempsey’s USMNT production, which I think is unfairly criticized. Playing with weaker players, with whom he does not practice regularly, in a position that puts him directly in front of goal less often, is going to result in fewer goals scored.
Well absolutely. I agree with that point 100%. Despite what I read on here, he is not a player who creates his own goals. There will be the odd goal here or there, but mostly his goals come from service out wide or playing off a target man…which is lacking in the USMNT player pool.
deuce isnt as good as messi or rooney, he’s better then both…combined and even cloned twice. yep, deuce is better then 3 Messis and 3 Rooneys
Not sure about Baird and Dolo but I agree Donovan would start for Fulham. Yeah, Dembele won’t be long for Fulham. His skill and vision are something special. I think he will start to find his goal scoring boots as well.
And why do you say that?
Is it because I dared criticize Dempsey?
Colin I am happy to see American players like Dempsey develop here at home, and still excel. Let’s keep working to improve player development, rather than relying on players going abroad. I believe we are making progress.
English match comentators do routinely quote statistics specific to the premier league era. And one could argue that the English top flight is a significantly better league than it was a few decades ago, when there was very little international talent, making accomplishments of the premier league era more difficult. (I don’r really care, Undirectedanger, but your hyperbole and name calling seemed unwarranted.)
Well said.
He should move to Milan when he’s 30 – the Lab will keep him playing until he is 40 like Maldini
small number of quality players? Have you even looked at Fulham’s lineup?
Oh get a room
Come on… Gudjonsson’s an all-timer, but Messi-esque? Also he didn’t score.
Yeah man, he even meets your Irish name criterion
The same reason Donovan isn’t our top striker – they’re midfielders.
Congrats Dempsey, get three more and its going to be awesome!!!, please do the same for the USMNT and move to a better team.
You realize it takes a lot more effort to type “sorry for the lowercase a im just to lazy to press the cap lock” than it does to press the shift key?
The first goal was brilliant. The second was also great. I’m really happy for Dempsey. He’s played excellently for years in the Premier League, and perhaps it’s finally time for a bigger club to take him on. He’s been a star for Fulham and the USA and I think he deserves the shot to prove himself at a big club.
TEXAS does it bigger and better again!
pedantic git.
stop that.
bandwagon utd dont deserve caps.
classic american soccer fan delusions of grandeur mixed with insecurity: Dempsey isn’t scoring 50 goals for Barcelona because he’s American and people don’t think he’s a team player, these are the “reasons” given every time an American does anything in any foreign league.
Perhaps Dempsey is still at Fulham because Fulham don’t want to sell unless it’s an offer they can’t refuse, which they haven’t received because clubs these days are not as free wheeling with the checkbook during transfer times.
? all American players seem to be able to do these days is pull off some kind of incredible technical flick / bulldoze defenders / play 1 v 1 in attack. The 30 yard low percentage bomb from outside the area when there’s an inch of space because we dont trust ourselves to take a couple of extra touches and try to beat the defenders with a pass. “Tactics” I have always assumed to mean working together to cohesively attack or defend in a way that will earn results. We don’t seem to be as good at those things as we do at the technical aspects of the game.
perhaps but THINK please.. who is going to pay that sum?
Dooley wasn’t developed by us, we can’t take credit for him, and there’s no way he’s better than Donovan anyway. Dempsey and McBride, no argument.
The deuce craps stuff that are tougher than Messi and Rooney combined.
You’re right. Fulham has far more ability than USMNT, even at GK.
Warren,
Just wanted to say that I’ve been reading these boards for awhile, but to me, you are one of the best posters on here. 9 times out of 10, your posts/views reflect mine.
Agree with you, if Clint was English, Chelsea would pay $60m for him.
I sense a twinge of sarcasm…that is fine. There is nothing wrong with Schwarzer. In fact Arsenal wanted him at the start of the season. Also, many think Stockdale, their backup, will challenge Joe Hart for the English #1.