Seattle Sounders: Clint Dempsey Takes Big Step in Recovery
By Paul Taylor
The Seattle Sounders receive a significant boost, as Clint Dempsey plays 30 minutes in their first preseason match of 2017.
We recently wrote that it was too soon to get excited about Clint Dempsey potentially returning to the starting XI for the beginning of the regular season. However, in light of events on Saturday night, the Seattle Sounders and their fans now have a justified reason for optimism.
That’s because the 33-year old saw his first action since last August, starting for the Sounders in their opening preseason friendly, against the Portland Timbers. And while he was substituted after 30 minutes, this was more about continuing to take a cautious and patient approach with his recovery.
Certainly, this is encouraging news, especially when you consider at one point there was speculation Dempsey might have to retire. This is not to say he was faultless against the Timbers, but he showed enough to convince people he is well on his way to returning to full fitness.
The four-time MLS All-Star played as a withdrawn forward behind Will Bruin, a position he is familiar with. He discussed his performance with soundersfc.com’s Matt Johnson.
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Dempsey said: “(The most difficult thing was) trying to get up with the speed of play, but it was great to be out there and I’m looking forward to more games.”
Johnson then asked about the journey the 2004 eighth overall draft pick has been on, since first being diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat: “It’s been a roller coaster, but at the same time you want to do everything you can to get back onto the field and keep playing.
“It’s something that I love to do and I worked hard to get back into the position to be on the field. Now it’s just about getting sharp, getting the touches and passing a little bit better, and that will come with games.”
Dempsey was also asked what it was like, to be back out on the pitch with his teammates: “It felt great. It’s just a process of not thinking about the injury, and once you get a few games under your belt, you can just focus on playing, so I look forward to that.”
Also speaking to soundersfc.com, head coach Brian Schmetzer discussed Dempsey’s performance: “He was good. You saw him combining with (Nicolas) Lodeiro and Will Bruin.
“He was stretching the field. Dempsey’s a smart player, he’s going to figure it out.”
Moving forward, the Nacogdoches, Texas native will look to build on his appearance against the Timbers, with one aim in mind: “I’m looking forward to the process and hopefully being ready for the start of the season.”
The Sounders have three preseason games remaining, before the real action kicks off on March 4th. If Dempsey’s determination is anything to go by, you can already pencil him into the lineup, when they face Houston Dynamo.
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In light of recent events, how optimistic are you regarding Dempsey? Are you confident he will be in the starting lineup for the beginning of the 2017 regular season, or are you adopting a cautious approach? Share your thoughts in the comments section.