CARSON, Calif. – Sunday’s match will mark the first time that Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey has tussled since the U.S. captain joined Seattle Sounders FC back in August. But will the Sounders FC forward have the impact that was expected of him when he returned to MLS?
Even though Dempsey arrived in MLS with considerable hoopla, he’s yet to score in eight appearances with the Sounders while also dealing with various injuries. Since Dempsey arrived, Sounders FC has earned mixed results with the club compiling a 3-4-0 record in matches that the U.S. international has participated in.
Despite Dempsey’s recent difficulties, Donovan believes that it is just a matter of time before he regains his form
“I think that Clint has a lot to deal with and a lot more than people realize,” Donovan said. “I think people don’t understand how difficult it is to become the face of the league so quickly and he’s dealing with it, he’s also dealing with injuries, he’s getting used to the turf, he’s probably getting use to the travel again, which is all part of it. All these things add up to making it very difficult, but we all know that he’s a very good player. I think that he hits the net once then things will change, and it’s only a matter of time before that happens.”
Although he expects Dempsey to be fired up to regain his form, Donovan admits there will be no added emotion at facing his longtime U.S. teammate in MLS.
“I don’t really look at it that way,” said Donovan. “For us it is an important game, but it’ll be fun. It’ll add to some drama for other people, but for us, it’s a game that we need to win and I’m sure that they feel that way as well.”
