Yanks in Europe: Great Goal From the Only Yank Left In Europe

Once again, apologies for the lack of posts over the past two days, I've been really busy with some other non-blogging things.  With that being said, here's a midweek Yanks in Europe post and video for your enjoyment:

I call these posts Yanks in Europe, but at this point in the season, it's been widdled down to just one Yank in Europe.  Don't worry, Michael Bradley and Tim Howard and all of the others are still plying their trade across the pond; what I'm referring to is the fact that Clint Dempsey is the lone American still active in either European club competition.  With AC Milan bowing out of the Champions League and Everton stumbling against Sporting, only Deuce was left standing, with Fulham and storied Italian side Juventus matching up in the Europa League Round of 16.  Going into today's match, Fulham were trailing 3-1 on aggregate, and a second minute Juve goal built what seemed like an insurmountable lead for the visitors.  By the early second half, however, Fulham had knotted up the aggregate score at 4-4.  Searching for the go-ahead goal, Roy Hodgson brought on Dempsey in the 71st minute, and what a move that turned out to be. 

Just 11 minutes after coming on, the former New England Revolution star sent Craven Cottage into a frenzy with a display of pure class.  From just outside the area, Dempsey turned and hit a perfectly weighted chip over GK Antonio Chimenti's head and into the side netting.  I've heard a few comments here and there from some people who thought this beauty was nothing more than a mishit cross, but I have no doubt that this was a shot all the way.  See for yourself:



The spectacular goal gave Fulham a 5-4 aggregate lead that they would not surrender, allowing them to progress on to the quarterfinals of the Europa League.  They will find out their next opponent tomorrow afternoon following UEFA's draw.

USMNT fans should be ecstatic with how quickly Dempsey has been able to return and contribute at the club level so soon after such an injury.  His health and this highlight are fantastic, but what has me most excited is the fact that Dempsey is playing with confidence at this juncture (which shouldn't be taken for granted given some players' slow progress in regaining form and confidence after a long layoff).  You don't try the audacious shot that he tried today unless you're playing with a little bit of a swagger.  With the national team, a confident Dempsey brings some sorely needed creativity and flair, as well as some bite and edge that can be contagious throughout the team (not to mention it helps keep him from fading out for long stretches of a game).  Let's hope that he carries that attitude throughout the rest of the club season and into South Africa. 

For now, though, we can just sit back and watch this highlight reel goal over and over again...