Clint Dempsey ties USMNT scoring record

Clint Dempsey has caught Landon Donovan for the all-time United States men’s national team scoring record, and it could hardly have come at a more opportune time.

With the United States holding a 1-0 lead over Costa Rica in the second half — courtesy of a Dempsey assist — the Seattle Sounders forward stood over a free kick from about 22 yards out. Dempsey seemed to catch the goalkeeper leaning the wrong way and beat him near post for his 57th all-time goal.

Most importantly, the goal and assist allowed the USA to beat Costa Rica 2-0 to advance to the Gold Cup final.

This was Dempsey’s fourth all-time goal against Costa Rica, and his 13th in the Gold Cup. It took him 136 games to catch Donovan, who needed 157 international appearances to get his goals. Donovan also had 15 penalties, as opposed to just six by Dempsey.

Dempsey also became the third player in USMNT history to collect at least 20 assists when he set up Jozy Altidore’s go-head goal.

Susie Rantz/Sounder at Heart