Dempsey’s petulance saw the Sounders attacker slap the referee’s notebook to the ground, then subsequently ripping it to pieces. A dismissal was merited, and following two additional sending offs, Dempsey’s booking sealed his club’s fate.
This was a big deal, one that many worldwide would deem unacceptable, especially from an experienced international captain. A man of values, and a worthy role model, lost his cool, and let his emotions get the best of him.
Sometimes the great game of soccer has that effect. The mental discipline to maintain your composure is often overlooked, and sometimes it’s the decisive factor between success and failure.
As expected, Dempsey’s actions didn’t go unpunished. Along with a three game suspension, a month prior to the US national team’s Gold Cup campaign, Klinsmann stripped Dempsey of his captaincy. The message was delivered to Dempsey, though not likely to be exiled like compatriot Landon Donovan, it served as a warning to the 32-year-old.
A month later, Dempsey is a different man in terms of public perception and his overall importance to Klinsmann’s side. Where others may have failed to rise to the occasion once facing adversity, the criticism and loss of the captaincy armband has inspired Dempsey to deliver.
“I always kind of struggled a little bit with being captain sometimes, because sometimes you feel like you have to be someone that you’re not,” Dempsey said.
“That weight’s been lifted.”
The US national team hasn’t been flawless at this year’s Gold Cup, and when they’ve looked most susceptible to danger, Dempsey’s experience has dragged the co-favourites over the hump. Six goals in four games epitomizes his rich vein of form, in what may be his final tournament for the country – possessing a significant role within the XI – as he will be 35 by the time the 2018 World Cup in Russia kicks off.
However, in terms of overall impact, Dempsey’s Gold Cup is similar to Wesley Sneijder’s 2010 World Cup in South Africa, where many were tipping him to go forward and lift the Ballon d’Or. Surely Dempsey isn’t a natural playmaker like Sneijder, but both men operated in a slightly advanced role – practically a second striker – in their respected tournaments, in which their goals overshadowed their overall performances.
Despite a historic treble and a World Cup finals appearance, Sneijder wasn’t the best player in the world over a 12 -month period, and the contrast between the former and the latter was vast. Dempsey doesn’t encounter identical issues as the Dutchman, but an American side possessing fairly limited attacking options has looked its brightest with the 32-year-old on the field.
Klinsmann’s diamond midfield doesn’t feature a natural play-maker in the no.10 role that is currently occupied by captain Michael Bradley – renowned for his powerful ball carrying opposed to consistently playing incisive passes in the final third. The alternative source of attack lies within wide areas, here DeAndre Yedlin, Alejandro Bedoya, Fabian Johnson, and Gyasi Zardes have all displayed glimpses of their true potential, yet consistent, quality production into the box has been sporadic.
Ultimately, this contributed to the sudden dropping of Jozy Altidore. Unable to benefit from the presence of Toronto FC teammate, Sebastian Giovinco, Altidore was ineffective due to the static off-the-ball movement from his teammates and the lack of creativity throughout the squad.
The Americans’ attack in open play has been predictable – lacking guile, penetration and creativity – they’ve been overrun in transition, and were desperately seeking a saviour. In what’s proved to be a laboured attack, in terms of cohesion, Dempsey’s goal prowess, combined with superior talent throughout the squad has guided Klinsmann’s side to a semi-final date against Jamaica.
“What we’ve really enjoyed the last couple of weeks is his energy, his energy to also come back and help out and to constantly stay in the game,” said Klinsmann.
“He’s not switching off at all. He’s hungry. He’s hungry for goals first of all, and that helps us.”
In the United States’ opener, Dempsey’s instinctive eye for goal saw the 32-year-old seek space in the box to nod two goals past Honduran keeper, Donis Escober. The display against Haiti was equally underwhelming in the opening half, but the decision to introduce Zardes for Altidore and form a strike partnership of Aron Johannsson and Dempsey instantly reaped rewards.
One simple move witnessed Zardes latch onto a long ball in half-space, before locating Dempsey’s late surging run into the box that led to a well-timed game winning finish. Although the 32-year-old didn’t start the final group game against Panama, his second half appearance inspired resurgence was pivotal in the build up to Bradley’s equalizer.
But it was the quarterfinal against Cuba where we’ve seen the best of Dempsey, and the United States, thus far. The strike partnership with Johannsson – the duo is likely to start against Jamaica – is ideal against athletic CONCACAF opponents that intend on denying the Americans space in the final third. Johannsson’s pace, holdup play, and intelligent movement offers Dempsey extra space to flourish in what’s proving to be Klinsmann’s best option upfront.
Cuba is far from a very good side, and Dempsey thrived in the space provided in midfield, as he simply dropped deep to link play and spread forward passes to his teammates. Dempsey’s freedom was manifest in a dual role that saw the American create chances, whilst scoring a hat-trick that consisted of a free header, penalty shot, a simple tap-in.
Frankly Klinsmann would prefer to see Dempsey produce more performances of the quality that was witnessed against Cuba. That may be an unrealistic dream due to international sides opting to play conservative in major competitions, but in truth, it’s difficult to find a player capable of fulfilling Dempsey’s duties.
“I feel good. My teammates have given good service and have put me in good positions to get good looks in front of the goal and I’ve been able to put them on target,” said Dempsey.
In an American side filled with youthful promising talent, Dempsey’s providing a foundation to admire on this heroic run to regional glory. In ways, he’s periodically transitioned into a reliable efficient finisher seeking one last moment.
Injuries in recent months have signaled the expected fitness decline, yet perhaps sitting 14 goals shy of Landon Donovan’s 58 goals as the country’s all-time leading goal-scorer, serves as an additional incentive for Dempsey’s hot form. It’s not a rarity to see players excel on the international stage towards the end of their career, but it’s usually midfielders that meet the precedent.
From rebellious captain to nationwide hero, Dempsey is surely bucking the trend, yet his limited productivity from open-play is why his scoring form is peculiar. Though Klinsmann will hope it won’t have to come down to such circumstances, but if required, the German and an entire nation will hope Dempsey maintains his form.
It wouldn’t be the story many expected, but it would be perfectly congealed as one of the most memorable swansongs in American sports history.
