GREENVILLE, S.C. – Former Furman soccer standout Clint Dempsey, who earned NSCAA All-American honors as a Paladin in 2002, announced his retirement from professional soccer on Wednesday after a brilliant 15-year career.

The Nacogdoches, Texas, native finished his career tied with Landon Donovan as the United States National Team's all-time leading scorer with 57 goals, and his 72 goals in the English Premier League during his time at Fulham and Tottenham rank as the most ever by an American.

"We want to congratulate Clint on an outstanding career and wish him the best of luck in retirement," said Paladin head coach Doug Allison, who coached Dempsey at Furman from 2001-03. "Clint has always been willing to represent Furman and has been great with our former players and alumni. We are excited for him to be able to spend time with his kids and be a full time dad and husband."

A three-time U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year, Dempsey is the only U.S. Men's National Team player to score in three World Cups, finding the back of the net for his country in the 2006, 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cups. The midfielder/forward, who began his professional career with the New England Revolution, returned to Major League Soccer in 2013 and led the Seattle Sounders to the MLS Cup in 2016.

Dempsey, a three-year starter for the Paladins and three-time All-Southern Conference selection, totaled 17 goals and 19 assists for Furman. He guided the Paladins to 19 wins and a NCAA Sweet Sixteen appearance in 2002. The Revolution selection Dempsey with the eighth overall pick in the first round of the 2004 MLS SuperDraft.

He was inducted into the SoCon Hall of Fame in 2014.