Clint Dempsey's transfer to Seattle might be the biggest news in the USMNT circles and that's a positive thing. (Ted S. Warren/AP Photo) |
Usually there would be such a piercing, negative chatter around Clint Dempsey's interesting decision to leave English powerhouse Tottenham in favor of the lesser Seattle Sounders. Usually there would be talk about how it's another American who just couldn't take the pressure of playing abroad and all the challenges that come with it. Usually there would be talk about how the United States was taking a big step backwards as another star player returns home. But not this time around. Not with the way the United States is dominating its competition.
Sure, people are going to question Clint's decision. Although he didn't start for Tottenham, he scored seven goals in 29 appearances and played particularly well for a team that finished fifth in the Premiership. Before that he was a dominant and beloved player for mid-level side Fulham. Dempsey proved himself abroad and certainly could have continued proving himself. Instead, he decided to come home. Why? Because he could.
At this point, there is no need for Clint Dempsey to play abroad. I would love for him to continue to tear it up at Spurs, furthering the growing American reputation, but I don't mind him coming home. Unlike Landon Donovan, Dempsey played in England for six years and enjoyed it. He played well and he became well-respected in the international community. But think about it. The guy is 30 years old, he's on the downslope of his prime and isn't going to get any better. Our selfish desires as fans want him to stay in England of course, but he's done enough in club competition at this point to be considered the best American that ever played abroad. In my opinion, he's the most talented American to ever grace the pitch, but that's neither here nor there. Dempsey's has one of the most storied careers for an American. USA has won 11 straight. The mere fact that this is HUGE news, just to have some partially negative news, is a good thing. American soccer is entering a new, fascinating era.
Jozy Altidore scored 31 goals in 41 games for AZ Alkmaar and now is the starting striker for Sunderland. Michael Bradley has become an integral part for AS Roma. Maurice Edu and Geoff Cameron play for Stoke City. Numerous players are scattered across the Bundesliga playing pivotal roles for several different clubs. The U.S. Men's National Team is firing on all cylinders both as a team and as individuals.
Right now the U.S. is sitting pretty like never before. I think a lot of casual fans are trying to deny it because they don't realize that this team is on the precipice of making some history in Brazil next year. If Clint Dempsey transferring to the Seattle Sounders is the biggest issue we're dealing with (and it is) then we're doing quite well.
On a side note, I'm happy for the Seattle fans. They are by far the best fans in all of the MLS and they almost make me want to watch MLS religiously...almost. For real, however, they deserve to have a player of their caliber and he'll surely be showered with chants and cheers as long as he plays for the Sounders.
All is well in the United States Soccer circles, both at the top and now in Seattle. A guy who's name rhymes with Glurgen might have a little something to do with it.
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