Clint Dempsey: Losing USMNT Captaincy No Extra Motivation To Score Goals

FOXBORO, Mass. — Clint Dempsey isn’t scoring goals to prove a point to anyone. He’s scoring goals to help the United States men’s national soccer team rack up points.

Dempsey scored the only goal in Team USA’s 1-0 win over Haiti on Friday night at Gillette Stadium. He scored both of the United States’ goals in its 2-1 win over Honduras on Tuesday.

Dempsey now has scored three goals in two games at the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup and his goal-scoring streak is one for the ages.

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Dempsey’s impressive run of form comes on the heels of a controversial moment in his career. MLS and the U.S. Open Cup banned Dempsey last month for referee abuse, and U.S. head coach Jurgen Klinsmann stripped him of the national-team captaincy ahead of the Gold Cup. Klinsmann explained his decision before challenging Dempsey to lead the Gold Cup in goals.

Michael Bradley now wears the captain’s armband for Team USA, but Dempsey, 32, remains Dempseyesque in his performances for the red, white and blue.

“That’s not any motivation,” Dempsey said when asked if his changed role on the national team has given him fresh impetus to perform at a higher level. “Wherever I play, I always try to help my team win games and score goals.

“Throughout my career with the national team I’ve stepped up when the team has needed me. Look at my goals per game, my motivation has always been there.”

Dempsey’s competitive drive has carried him throughout his storied career at club and international level, and his eternal desire to succeed apparently outweighs any emotional reactions Klinsmann decision created within him.