Dempsey's deft chip against Juventus in 2010 brought Fulham within touching distance of Europa League glory
There are many important moments in American soccer history. From the U.S. men's national team famously beating England in the 1950 World Cup, to the USWNT taking home the first-ever edition of the Women's World Cup in 1991, the U.S. is not short on soccer heritage.
And there have been countless moments in between, unforgettable goals, unbelievable performances, and controversial losses. This week, GOAL US revisits one of the finest individual goals in club history by a U.S. national: Clint Dempsey's deft chip for Fulham against Juventus in 2010.
The goal was not only one of the best of the season, but also changed the trajectory of the USMNT hero's career. And it served as proof that Americans can deliver in big moments in European competition. Here is a look back at that moment, and what it meant in the this edition of … Throwback Thursday.
What happened
Dempsey definitely meant it. The attacking midfielder needed to make something happen when Fulham trailed Juventus on away goals in their Europa League semifinal tie. He received the ball facing away from the goal, pivoted onto his stronger right foot, and lifted a deft chip into the far corner from outside the box.
Craven Cottage erupted. Dempsey grabbed the Fulham badge, sprinted, and screamed. It was enough to send the Cottagers – against all odds – into a Europa League quarterfinal. An American had led a mid-table Premier League team, managed by Roy Hodgson, past one of Europe's great powers. History had been written.
AdvertisementGettyWhy it mattered
The goal itself was undoubtedly special. The pivot, the chip, the stare of a helpless goalkeeper as it drifted into the far corner. But for Dempsey, it meant more.
He carried that swagger into the 2010 World Cup, where Dempsey was one of the standout players for the USMNT. The attacking midfielder scored the U.S.'s opening goal in the tournament, and established himself as a real talent with everyone watching.
He would then build off of that moment in the years to come. He would finish the 2011-12 season with 23 goals in all competitions, and 17 in the Premier League. It was a breakout season that ultimately earned him a big move to Tottenham ahead of 2012-13 campaign.
From those who were there
Dempsey, soon after, insisted that he knew exactly what he was doing.
"Something told me just to go for it. What do you have to lose?" he told Sports Illustrated. "When you come on as a substitute, you have to take shots. Otherwise why are you playing in the game?"
Then-USMNT manager Bob Bradley, who was in the stands at the time, claimed he could see the play unfolding: "If you know Clint, you know what he's trying, and then the ball is just sort of sitting up there for a second."
Hodsgon summed up the result in full: "I'm on top of the world. I don't know if it is the biggest night in the club's history but it must come close."
Getty ImagesWhat came next
Dempsey's career accelerated as a result. He was too good for Fulham; he knew that. Rumors of a move to Liverpool spiraled, but Tottenham eventually took him on.
Things never quite worked out at Spurs, the American perhaps unfairly moved on as a struggling side failed to kick on under Andre Villas-Boas.
He was immensely impactful after he left Europe and returned to MLS. He helped the Seattle Sounders lift their first MLS Cup in 2016. He was the catalyst behind the USMNT's memorable run to 2014 World Cup and a stunning trip to the Copa America semifinals in 2016. His final success with the national team came in the 2017 Gold Cup.
But ultimately, it's the goal itself – and the ensuing reaction – that will live long in the memory.
As Dempsey put it:
"There's no better feeling than getting crunk after scoring an important goal."