Fansided

Clint Dempsey ruled out of Seattle Sounders game with irregular heartbeat

ByCarly Regehr|
Jul 9, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Sounders FC forward Clint Dempsey (2) reacts after losing possession of the ball against the Los Angeles Galaxy during the second half at CenturyLink Field. Los Angeles defeated, Seattle, 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 9, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Sounders FC forward Clint Dempsey (2) reacts after losing possession of the ball against the Los Angeles Galaxy during the second half at CenturyLink Field. Los Angeles defeated, Seattle, 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

In a scary scenario for the seasoned veteran, Clint Dempsey will miss an MLS match due to a medical complication.

As one of the most beloved soccer players on a domestic and international level, the MLS is sending out its most heart-warming prayers for one of the best forwards of all-time, Clint Dempsey.

As of midday Friday, Dempsey was admitted to the hospital, pending a medical evaluation concerning an abnormal heart rate.

Because of said medical scare, Dempsey will sit it out for tonight’s game vs. rival Portland. In addition, more play time will be scratched off Dempsey’s to-do list in terms of the USMNT’s roster, which readies itself for two matches in the World Cup qualifiers in early September.

Five days ago, Dempsey claimed responsibility for two-of-three goals in a win versus Portland but found himself on the bench for the following match against Houston. And whether or not that relates to today’s news is yet to be determined.

But this isn’t Dempsey’s first injury.

In 2004, Dempsey, then with the New England Revolution, opted to play in a match with a broken jaw. It wasn’t until two matches later, that an official diagnosis was administered.

Then, in the same season, Dempsey refused to be sidelined with a sprained ankle. And even though Dempsey was a few years younger back then, the probability of him not making a full recovery this go-around is very low.

At-a-Glance: Clint Dempsey

After an overseas assignment with Tottenham Hotspur, Dempsey was referred back to the states to enlist in the Seattle Sounders organization, a team co-owned by tech mogul, Paul Allen.

Since his inception into the MLS, Dempsey has amassed over 30 goals and 20 assists, making him the only MLS player to accrue double digits in both categories.

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And although he may be a sought after talent on-the-field, his personality off the pitch is just as memorable. Though past encounters of this ailment are unknown at the time, it’s an alarming situation for the MLS striker and father of four.

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