Clint Dempsey scored his first goal of the new season, netting in Fulham’s 6-0 victory against fourth division Port Vale in the second round of the Carling Cup on Wednesday.
Having come off the bench at halftime, Dempsey capped the scoring for Fulham with a right footed shot from approximately 25 yards out in the 70th minute. The goal was Dempsey’s first under new manager Mark Hughes.
Teammate Eddie Johnson broke his string of consecutive games without dressing, but was an unused substitute in the match.
Fulham will find out who it faces in the third round of the competition when a draw takes places on Aug. 28.
You can see Dempsey’s goal after the jump:
What do you think of Dempsey’s goal? Surprised Johnson didn’t play? Who do you see Fulham playing the third round?
Share your thoughts below.
What player have you been watching? We are talking about Eddie Johnson… Every highlight available for over the 3 years, I have watched and followed him very closely… he actually passed very well… he plenty of ball skills but there is not time to use them in England when you play up front and so little for that matter… not close to a call up? He was in the Princeton camp before the WC… seems about as close to a call up as you can get…
If you would like video links, I will gladly provide them to you…
How would you even know how long someone has posted on here? I personally have been here for quite some time…
Thanks for the personal attacks. I’m not going to bother responding to those, because I don’t feel the need to prove anything to you. And unfortunately for you, I don’t need your permission to post. I’ve been here far longer than you have.
The fact of the matter is he still has 0 ball skills, no passing vision, and no touch. He has a hard shot, but flubs more sitters than he buries. His awareness and ability to move off the ball haven’t measurably improved. His empty skill set renders his speed virtually useless. He is a non-factor for Fulham, was a minor factor for Aris, and his career is adrift. He’s not close to sniffing a call up anytime soon, and hence, I’m just going to ignore him for the near future, whether it’s alright with you or not.
You are entitled to your opinion.
Jozy got the start for Villarreal today!
“Surprised Johnson didn’t play?” ahahahahaha!!!
NO, not surprised at all. The G.A.M. is Mr. Excitement!
You are epically clueless… He has fixed so much about his game since he first arrived @ Fulham 3+ years ago… don’t post when you really have no insight…
meanwhile, DeMarcus Beasley, Freddy Adu, Jay DeMerit etc… HAVE NO CLUB
Lay off the guy…yeesh
Elm was not even dressed…
Wouldn’t surprise me though if a club like LA Galaxy, RSL or Columbus defeated say PAOK, Aris or Panathiniakos.
He started in the Premier League against Manchester United just a few days ago, and this was just a Carling Cup tie against a fourth division side. I don’t think he’s lost any ground when it comes to starting.
Dempsey’s such a stud on the field, I hope U.S. Soccer gets him a real coach now that it looks like Bradley is going for sure.
http://bit.ly/93NZRv
EJ. Dude go back to Greece or try Belgium, Switzerland or Turkey. 2nd tier Euro leagues where you will easily get $500,000-$1,000,000. But it would mean he needs to definitely take a big paycut. But he could be a hero at his new club and he should go for it.
Dempsey will fight for a starting role or he’ll leave in January. Wish him the best.
I can’t say I really care too much what happens to EJ anymore. 26, doesn’t play, hasn’t fixed any of the problems that have plagued his game for so long. I’ve given up on him. It’s certainly possible, like Gomez or Buddle, that he turns it around later and becomes a factor for the US again, but I don’t think there’s enough of a chance of it for me to pay any further attention to him.
I have faith you’ll get back in the starting lineup Clint
Seems to me when EJ and Adu where on the same team in Greece EJ played more and scored more goals. I don’t think I’m going out on a limb here saying that coached thought EJ was the better player
Thing is Eddie Johnson(if that you guys mean as EJ), is over rated. he can`t make it at Fulham, then he must be worse than ADu
EJ did well in Greece which i think most people would place above MLS. He would do well to go back if he can
EJ should stay on that bench and ride it back MLS. If I remember correctly, when he came to Fulham, he was starting nearly every game as the team battled relegation. He could never hit the target and was subsequently dropped for the fit again McBride who saved Fulham that season as I recall. EJ had his chance to be the hero and he was a major dissapointment when the stage was set. He and Adu can either come back to MLS, or try and find Nguyen.
anyone see the goal?
Sort of like saying he came on in the ninth and struck our the side in a blowout, but I guess strikeouts are strikeouts and goals are goals at some level. Better that he was one of the ones who scored, I suppose.
glad to see Dempsey score.
Not sure EJ should stay at Fulham much longer.
I hope he gets a bonus for that.
I think that is a good observation. Like CVS in the comments above, somewhat puzzling lineup. You have to assume that Hughes is trying the get his system and first team established with these early matches – regardless of the opponent. Can’t really make too much of EJ not playing yet.
You mean the guys YOU think of as the first team. Hughes is still evaluating his players.
He was dressed for the match. That is a step in the right direction. Perhaps both Villarreal and Fulham would rather invest a little time and give their young American players at least a chance now. I think if Jozy and Eddie were going to be loaned out, it would of happened already. They both sound hungry and eager to impress.
Gera, Dembele, Dempsey, and Elm
all seem to be ahead of him in the pecking order to play next to Zamora.
And there are even rumors that Zoltan Gera is on his way out because he’ll become a bit-part player. This is the captain of Hungary who was a huge contributor last season.
Certainly doesn’t look good for EJ
“Teammate Eddie Johnson broke his string of consecutive games without dressing…”
What a milestone.
not that fair to say EJ should know where he stands since fulham only made 3 changes from the weekends game. It’s not like they rolled out the second team for the game
I am a little puzzled on Fulham’s lineup. It nearly had most of the first team.
Cardiff for cheap. Take a bite in pay.
I hope EJ sees the writing on the wall because it’s not working with Fulham
Great to see Dempsey play and score…he needs to impress. EJ looks like the odd man out. Transfer window is still open, but more likely another loan.
Are you talking about something other than his recent comments about respect that are making the rounds? Because nothing in that interview was negative or inflammatory. He essentially just said he’s working hard and hopes to earn a chance to prove himself.
If it was unclear before, EJ should now clearly understand where he stands with the manager if he can’t see the pitch against a 4th division side…EJ needs to get back to MLS.
Making the Lone Star State proud!
I think EJ is going on loan to another Greek club. Fulham should of just sold him to Aris but they wanted too much money.
perhaps the comments were because he already knew he wasn’t going to play?
just playing devils advocate for a minute: You can’t help but wonder if EJ would have gotten some time had he not remarked about not being picked to play.