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For sometime now, Clint Dempsey has established himself as a household name when it comes to American football, or soccer if you prefer. Since his days at the New England Revolution, where he scored 26 goals over 84 appearances in a span of three seasons, Dempsey has evolved, and that has really helped the USMNT move forward.
His move to the English Premier League brought a lot of doubt from neutral fans of whether he was good enough for the top level.
Fortunately for the Texas native, he did just fine at Craven Cottage. Over six campaigns with Fulham, Dempsey took part in 225 matches and scored 60 goals. He was slowly becoming an icon for American Football, and he was also turning into a vital piece to the puzzle at Fulham.
Now that he is back in the MLS, fans, including Klinsmann, were not sure he made the right move. He now has been out since September 6th with a hamstring injury, but luckily the USMNT has already qualified for next year's World Cup in Brazil.
Without the 30-year-old, the USMNT may not be as good, but Klinsmann's squad has some other weapons that may be able to fill the void, temporarily.
Apart from his vision, hard work and technical ability, Dempsey brings a load of experience to the table. He has played against some of the world's best, and he has 101 appearances for the USMNT.
"It opens up maybe some playing time for a Mix Diskerud or an Aron Johannsson," Klinsmann told the federation's official website.
Dempsey's absence will allow Diskerud and Johannsson to prove to Klinsmann that they are good enough. Being a part of the squad for next year's World Cup would be a great accomplishment for both of them, and they will be able to prove their worth in two matches that will not have as much pressure, given the USA has already guaranteed a spot for next year.
Missing the Seattle Sounders' forward may not be all that noticeable in matches against Jamaica or even Panama. Over the years, they have developed enough talent and have enough players with experience to be able to overcome these injuries, but at the end of the day, if you have the choice, Dempsey is more than likely a guarantee in the USMNT starting XI.
And while many will argue that his move to the MLS will affect his playing career, how has that worked out for one Landon Donovan? The LA Galaxy star has been playing in the MLS for quite sometime, and although he had some stints in Europe, he always manages to put in a solid performance for club and country.
For Dempsey, the same should be said. His career with the USMNT will not be affected, and if anything, it will push him to prove his doubters wrong. Having already taken part in two World Cups, Dempsey's temporary absence will not be a big set back, but missing him in Brazil could be problematic.
USA World Cup qualifiers in October 2013 - live stream and TV info
LiveSoccerTV will have worldwide live stream and TV channel listings for the USMNT's remaining World Cup Qualification matches:
Bookmark this page and check back often for live TV schedule updates for all of the USMNT's matches. Also, do remember that live scores of all the matches are available on our website.
