Dempsey still has a goal in mind
FOXBOROUGH -- Clint Dempsey has played in two Eastern Conference finals, the MLS Cup, and the World Cup, and this week was named US Player of the Year.
But Dempsey still has a goal to fulfill as the Revolution prepare for the MLS playoffs.
``You can't always win but we are going to go out and give it our best shot," Dempsey said yesterday. ``It's been a good ride and I've enjoyed it. We want to go out and make the most of it because some guys might not be around much longer. Ideally, you want to win the championship."
Dempsey could be moving on after the season. If so, he has as many as six games remaining with the Revolution -- regular-season matches at D.C. United tomorrow and against Columbus Oct. 14, then potentially four postseason contests.
A move to Europe would mean a significant raise and a lifestyle change for Dempsey. The award ceremony in downtown Los Angeles was a fitting send-off.
``Overall, it was a good experience," Dempsey said. ``It was a chance to spend some time with my family and the award was icing on the cake. It was an honor to be up for the award and get it.
``I was in very, very good company [with finalists Kasey Keller and Brian McBride]. Both of them have had very good careers. You can say it wasn't the toughest competition but I have stayed focused and worked hard and I have been fortunate it worked out for me."
Dempsey was accompanied by his parents, who came from Nacogdoches, Texas, and attended the Revolution's 3-1 win over Colorado Saturday. Dempsey received a Honda Ridgeline, which he will give to his father.
``The other one he had was breaking down," Dempsey said. ``And if I go overseas, I won't need a vehicle. We'll see what happens with that."
Though Dempsey has developed into this country's top player and competed against the best players in the world, he had yet to meet the most well-known soccer personality in the US, announcer Andrés Cantor, who presented the Player of the Year award Monday.
``It was great to meet Mr. Cantor; I knew him from how he says `Goool! ," Dempsey said. ``He is a great guy."
Revolution forward Pat Noonan will undergo surgery for a sports hernia at the Hernienzentrum in Munich next week and could return for the playoffs . . . Midfielder Shalrie Joseph, recovering from a finger tendon injury, trained at the Gillette Stadium lower practice field yesterday . . . Queens Park Rangers midfielder Steve Lomas practiced with the Revolution yesterday and worked out with the New York Red Bulls earlier in the week. Lomas has played in 45 international contests for Northern Ireland and scored three goals . . . Revolution midfielder Miguel Gonzalez will join the US Under-20 team for a match against Haiti in Sunrise, Fla., next Thursday.
