Dec. 26, 2007

Greenville, S.C. - Former Furman soccer standout and current Fulham FC striker Clint Dempsey was named U.S. Soccer's Male Athlete of the Year, it was announced this past week.

The midfielder, who moved into the role of forward for both the national team and Fulham this year, helped the U.S. claim the CONCACAF Gold Cup title this past summer. He has tallied a team-leading five goals in 18 matches this season for Fulham of the English Premier League.

A three-time MLS All-Star with the New England Revolution, Dempsey was a key member of Furman's 2002 team that posted a 19-3-1 record, reached the third round of the NCAA Tournament and set NCAA standards for consecutive shutouts (11) and longest conference unbeaten streak (43 matches). He was selected to the NSCAA Second Team All-America squad in 2002 and was an All-Southern Conference selection all three years at Furman. He was also a two-time NSCAA All-South region choice.

Dempsey made an immediate impact after joining Fulham last January. The former Paladin netted the game-winning goal in a 1-0 victory over Liverpool that helped the Cottagers avoid relegationa and remain in the EPL for this season.