Orlando Magic Daily
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2017 Central Florida 85 Nos. 18-34: Feeling the pressure

By Philip Rossman-Reich

ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 05: Orlando head coach Jason Kreis is seen on the sideline during a MLS soccer match between New York City FC and Orlando City SC at the Orlando City Stadium on March 5, 2017 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 05: Orlando head coach Jason Kreis is seen on the sideline during a MLS soccer match between New York City FC and Orlando City SC at the Orlando City Stadium on March 5, 2017 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images) /
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Clint Dempsey, United States
ARLINGTON, TX – JULY 22: Clint Dempsey #28 of United States celebrates after scoring against Costa Rica during the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup Semifinal at AT&T Stadium on July 22, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

31. Clint Dempsey, U.S. Soccer

At 34 years old, Clint Dempsey is starting to slow down. He will likely be a member of the U.S. Men’s National Team for next summer’s World Cup. But his days of playing a full 90 minutes of impact soccer are likely behind him. At least at this level. Already Dempsey has started to come off the bench.

It is still almost certain Dempsey will set the U.S. Men’s Soccer all-time goals record and add to his tally. He came on off the bench during the U.S.’s Gold Cup victory this summer and was effective. In those short bursts, Dempsey looked like the Dempsey of old.

As the U.S. winds down its World Cup Qualifying — coming to Orlando to take on Panama on Oct. 6 — Dempsey is likely to find himself in a reserve role for the team. If Bruce Arena needs a goal to break a tie late in the game or to come back to get a tie, Dempsey is the man he can trust and turn to.

For now, it appears Dempsey has accepted this role. He certainly has thrived in it in the limited instances.

Dempsey has had a lot of major moments in a U.S. jersey. He has done a lot for his national team as one of the country’s all-time great soccer players. There may be a few more. Perhaps even at Orlando City Stadium about a month from now as the U.S. looks to wrap up its trip to Russia next summer for the World Cup.