Copa America: Clint Dempsey header puts the USMNT up 1-0 on Ecuador

Clint Dempsey wasn’t too involved in the U.S. attack for the first 20 minutes of its match against Ecuador, but when he finally made his presence felt, it was in the best possible way.

He’s getting a little older now, but in case you thought Clint Dempsey isn’t still a key figure for the U.S. Men’s National Team, you obviously haven’t been watching this year’s Copa America.

Dempsey entered Thursday night’s game against Ecuador having already scored in this tournament, and he figured to have a role in any success the U.S. would have in Seattle. It didn’t take him long to make an impact.

With Bobby Wood continually giving the Ecuador backs trouble in the opening stretch of the match, he managed to get loose again on the right-hand side. He played the ball back to Jermaine Jones, and then this happened.

That’s a great ball into the box from Jones, but a really nice header by Dempsey that left Ecuador’s keeper with no chance.

The goal was Dempsey’s 52nd in international competition, leaving him just five short of the all-time leader, Landon Donovan. The Texan’s time with the USMNT is winding down, but in the form he’s showing right not, would it really be wise to bet against him making a run at Donovan’s mark?

Stay tuned to FanSided for more from the USA-Ecuador match as it happens — including, hopefully, some more goal-scoring magic from Clint.

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