Skip to content

Dempsey out for remainder of 2016 season due to irregular heartbeat

Reuters

Seattle Sounders striker Clint Dempsey has been ruled out for the remainder of the 2016 MLS season, as general manager Garth Lagerwey announced Tuesday that the 33-year-old is continuing to monitor the irregular heartbeat discovered last month.

Dempsey had returned to light training earlier this month, and Lagerway said at the time that he was "cautiously optimistic" the American forward could return at some point this season.

But after he stopped training last week, Tuesday's announcement came as little surprise to interim coach Brian Schmetzer.

"The messaging was not that big of a shock to anybody. It's a sad story because Clint is an integral part of the team," the bench boss said, while noting that Demspey will not be making any statements on the matter until he is "comfortable talking about what he feels."

Dempsey, in his fourth season with the Sounders, recorded eight goals and two assists this season before being sidelined. Despite the obvious severity of his medical concern, Lagerway said he has faith the veteran will persevere to make a return to the pitch in the future.

"Clint has overcome a lot, and I believe he can overcome this as well," Lagerway said.

Sitting three points out of a playoff spot with two games in hand on a majority of the teams around them in the Western Conference, the Sounders will continue to rely heavily on rookie star Jordan Morris to pick up the scoring slack in Dempsey's continued absence.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox