Ben Soloman/ESPN Images(ARLINGTON, Texas) — Clint Dempsey reached another U.S. Soccer milestone right where it all began.
In his home state of Texas, with 27 family and friends in attendance, Dempsey delivered a goal in the 72nd minute in the CONCACAF Gold Cup semifinal against Costa Rica on Saturday. The goal, No. 57 for his U.S. Men’s National Team career, tied Landon Donovan’s US national team goal-scoring record.
Afterwards, Dempsey said, “I couldn’t have pictured a better scenario, coming off the bench and getting a goal and assist, and helping the team get to the final. That’s a dream come true.”
The U.S. beat Costa Rica 2-0 to advance to the CONCACAF Gold Cup final. They will face Jamaica on Wednesday.
Dempsey’s storied career began in Texas, journeying through the MLS and English Premier League. However, his pursuit of Donovan’s record was stalled when he was diagnosed with a heart ailment in 2016, which nearly ended his career.
The Texas-native will continue playing as the US team pursues a spot in the 2018 World Cup. Should they qualify, it would mark Dempsey’s fourth career World Cup appearance.
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