COLLEGE : Furman; in three seasons, Dempsey started 61 games and scored 17 goals.
POSITION : Midfield
CLUB : Fulham (England)
PROFESSIONAL : Drafted by New England Revolution of Major League Soccer in 2004, played three seasons and scored 25 goals. … Was sold to Fulham for $4 million, a record for an American at the time, and has scored 21 goals in four seasons with club. Has 18 goals in 62 appearances for U.S. National team. … Has become among the most dependable American players and was standout for Fulham as it reached Europa League final for first time, scoring goal that knocked out legendary Italian club Juventus … Was sidelined by right knee injury for two months of 2009-10 season … Had spectacular Confederations Cup as U.S. finished second … Scored lone goal credited to U.S. player in 2006 World Cup, against Ghana.
PERSONAL : Born on March 9, 1983 in Nacogdoches, Texas. … For much of his childhood, his family lived in a trailer park, where he and his siblings grew up playing soccer with the local Mexican immigrant children. … Played for an elite youth team in Dallas, but had to pull out of team in summer of 1995 so his sister, Jennifer, could travel more as a state-ranked tennis prospect; in November 1995, Jennifer died of a brain aneurysm at the age of 16. … Recorded a rap song for Nike ad campaign before 2006 World Cup. … Met wife Bethany at Furman. The couple have a one-year-old daughter, Elyse; wife was featured in February’s Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition.