Greenville, S.C. -- Former Paladin soccer standout Clint Dempsey has been named as the United States Soccer Male Athlete-of-the-Year for the second time, it was announced on Friday at www.USSoccer.com.
Dempsey (2007 and 2011) becomes the fourth player in U.S. history to earn the honor twice, joining Landon Donovan (2003, 2004, 2009, 2010), Kasey Keller (1997, 1999, 2005) and Marcelo Balboa (1992, 1994). The forward/midfielder led all U.S. scorers with three goals in the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup, including the game-winner in a semifinal win over Panama, to bring his career total with the U.S. Men's National Team to 24.
A regular fixture in the starting XI for Fulham FC of the Barclays Premier League, Dempsey surpassed Brian McBride as the all-time leading scorer among Americans in Premier League history with his 37th goal versus Liverpool in December.
A 2002 National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) All-America choice who led Furman to a Southern Conference title and NCAA round of 16 appearance, Dempsey has tallied four goals in 12 appearances for the United States this season and bagged 24 goals in 80 international matches during his career.
Last April, Dempsey registered a pair of goals versus Bolton Wanderers to become Fulham's all-time leading scorer during the club's Premier League era.
The Nacogdoches, Texas, native has netted goals in each of the United States' last two World Cup appearances, scoring versus Ghana in 2006 and against England during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Dempsey will be back in action on Saturday when he leads Fulham against Newcastle United at Craven Cottage in London. Kickoff is set for 10 a.m. EST.