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Dempsey strike sparks Fulham comeback

Clint Dempsey 3 (AFP)  

by GIANFRANCO PANIZO

Lost amid all of the Champions League action on Tuesday was Clint Dempsey's 77th minute goal that sparked a come from behind victory for Fulham over Swansea City in the FA Cup.

Trailing 1-0, after a 47th-minute goal from Jason Scotland, Fulham found its equalizer when Dempsey headed home a Simon Davies corner kick. Dempsey's goal marks his fifth for Fulham this season and first in the FA Cup.

The U.S. national team midfielder nearly gave the Cottagers the lead a minute later but was denied by goalkeeper Dorus De Vries on the one-on-one opportunity.

Four minutes after Dempsey's leveler, Fulham found the game-winning goal courtesy of Bobby Zamora. The fifth round victory booked Fulham a date with Manchester United in the quarterfinals on March 7.

What do you think of Dempsey's goal? Did you see it? Enjoying his form with Fulham? Hoping to see a goal like that against the likes of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

  1. I am from Chicago and just found this site. I was at the game 3 rows from the net on the Hammersmith end. It was wonderful. Too bad the Whites have fallen off form.

    Reply
  2. Dempsey’s been outstanding this season for Fulham and this Brit is very grateful. He’s been my favourite player for a while as much for his whole-hearted performances as well as his undoubted talent.

    He’s almost as good in the air as Brian McBride (boy is that some compliment) and his super header last night was just reward for a fine performance. The Hammersmith End went wild. He could even have had a second moments later but was denied by a great save by the Swansea keeper.

    I have to disagree with the people who have been saying he should play up front for us. He’s played there before and done a decent job, but he’s a midfielder by trade and I find him more effective there.

    Long may his fine run of form continue.

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  3. Clint was #2 on the Revs.

    I’ve been arguing for Clint to play up top for the Cottagers for a while on the Fulham boards. He as a great nose for the goal, and scored 6 last year playing forward (mostly) with little help or service. I think,

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  4. Maybe not next match, but I would like to see Bradley try the following set-up in the not so distant future:

    ——————Altidore——————–

    ————Donovan—–Dempsey————-

    Torres———–Bradley——-Kljestan

    Beasley—–Bocanegra—Onyewu—–Cherundolo

    ——————-Howard——————-

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  5. Fireball – Thanks for the link to the goals.

    Joe – old picture but pretty bad a$$ anyway.

    Can’t wait to see Deuce v Man U! He seems to get up for the games against the big four. Sweet.

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  6. ——————-Ching——————–

    ————Donovan—–Dempsey————-

    Beasley———–Bradley——-Kljestan/Adu

    Pearce—–Bocanegra—Onyewu—–Cherundolo

    ——————-Howard——————-

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  7. He’s also picked up a propensity for going down a bit too easily, but that can be chalked up to the English game. After all, seeing Ronaldo give seven times per game can get to you….

    Don’t get me wrong. I love him and his talent.

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  8. I’ve always wanted to see Dempsey and Donovan as attacking midfielders behind someone like Ching. I think Dempsey is able to handle the pressure in the attacking midfield position and is able to create more for other players. This is a starting line up I hope for by 2010.

    ——————–Ching——————-

    ————-Donovan—–Dempsey————

    Beasley————Bradley———-Kljestani liek mudkips

    Reply
  9. Cant agree with that Mike…Clint against Mexico while a bit tired rarely gives the ball away any longer…His game has matured so much over the past 2 years. I think Clint is miles ahead of mentally on the pitch over some of our other starters…he makes passes with Fulham that he has not chance to make with the Nats because we do not move well off the ball aside from Ching and Landon…it will get better…

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  10. I haven’t found a link to the goal yet, but it sounds like another beaut. I am really enjoying his form right now!
    He is playing great. A joy to watch. Fulham are playing great. Roy Hodgeson is a good coach. Come on YOu Whites!

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  11. When is Dempsey going to show the same drive and desire for the national team as he does for Fulham? He is arguably the most talented player on the Nats, but for some reason, disappears for long stretches, tries to showboat a little too often, and generally seems disinterested. Watching Fulham games, you get the impression that he cares just a little bit more. Just my 2 cents.

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  12. Jackie, I couldn’t care less about some of these Champions League games. Why root for teams I have no connection to? Fulham v. Swansea (and the ultimate lead to Fulham – Man U at the Cottage) and Dynamo v. Atlante were my highlights of last night.

    Not to mention a glorious speech by Obama.

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  13. I like that Dempsey keeps shooting and shooting. At some point the rockets that come off his foot are going to go in (instead of hitting the bar or GK fingertips) and when they do, they’re going to make highlight reels.

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  14. Dempsey is my favorite player on the MNT for this reason right here. His ability to step up when the situation calls for it. Ghana, Cuba Gold Cup 2005 and Qualifying 2010, Chelsea(2-2), Liverpool(1-0), you name it. He’s the best field player on the MNT for his composure and I just cant wait for him to show it in 2010.

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  15. Clint has been one of the top 3 performers for Fulham this entire year since he regained his starting roll from Zoltan Gera in October…. Clint is now penned into the Fulham line-up for every game…

    Nobody saw the game because there was no television coverage or streams for the match… the place went mad though from all the Skysports live in game reports.

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  16. I for one am very happy for Clint and proud of his performance for Fulham. He didn’t hang his head when he was not getting the nod to start and his inclusion in the starting eleven pretty much coincides with Fulham’s good run of form. (Freddy Adu take note.)

    ManU up next. Great stuff!!

    Reply

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