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Dempsey makes 1st appearance since irregular heartbeat diagnosis

Reuters

Seattle Sounders striker Clint Dempsey made his first appearance since August on Saturday, the American getting back into game action for the first time since an irregular heartbeat ended his 2016 campaign.

Dempsey, 33, played 30 minutes in Seattle's 1-1 preseason draw with the Portland Timbers, and while he admitted it will take time to regain sharpness, his excitement was palpable.

"It felt great to be out there playing again. Little bit of rust trying to get up with the speed of play," he said. "It's been a roller coaster, but you want to do whatever you can to get back on the field and keep playing.

"I've worked hard to get back in the position of being on the field. Now it's just about getting sharp, getting touches better."

Dempsey remains hopeful he'll be back up to speed for the start of the 2017 MLS season, which begins for the Sounders against Houston on March 4.

"I'm looking forward to the next games and having more of an impact."

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