For the second time, Clint Dempsey stood before the crowd at CenturyLink Field on a platform, where he waved and saluted the supporters.
It first happened in August 2013, marking the beginning of an era. Five years, 57 goals and all three major MLS/U.S. trophies later (Open Cup and Supporters’ Shield in 2014, MLS Cup in 2016), Dempsey’s re-emergence onto the platform on Saturday afternoon signaled the end of an era.
Prior to Saturday’s 3-1 win over Sporting Kansas City, which set a post-shootout MLS record for consecutive wins in a single season, the club honored Dempsey, who announced his retirement on Wednesday.