Will Clint Dempsey Ever Break Landon Donovan's Scoring Record?

Clint Dempsey is one goal away from tying Landon Donovan's USMNT scoring record. He is two goals away from breaking that record. On current form, he is creaky and looking awfully like he will never get to do either of those things.

On Thursday against Trinidad & Tobago, Dempsey looked out of sync with the rest of the team. He looked, and I really hate to say this, like the game had passed him by. Dempsey's replacement, Bobby Wood, looked much more dangerous. On Saturday, Dempsey didn't play.

On the other hand, I also thought this about Michael Bradley on Thursday, and we all saw how that worked out. Dempsey stans should take comfort in the fact that I am an idiot.

Back to the original hand, though. From the outside, it looks like Dempsey's days as a contributor in big matches are either extremely numbered or through altogether. Bobby Wood is a much better option up front at this point and Christian Pulisic and Darlington Nagbe can provide the creativity Dempsey would bring to the midfield, but with much more athleticism. Sure, Dempsey could play in a few throwaway friendlies, bury a couple penalties, break Donovan's record and ride off into the sunset, but is that what he really wants?

Actually, yeah, that's probably what's going to happen. It's cool. Dempsey is one of the best players in American history and would be a worthy custodian of the record until Christian Pulisic inevitably breaks it.