Clint Dempsey is back and other preseason musings

By John Harbeck | Feb 6, 2017

TORONTO, ON - DECEMBER 09: Clint Dempsey (2) of Seattle Sounders trains during the Seattle Sounders MLS Cup training session on December 9, 2016, at Kia Training Ground in Toronto, ON, Canada. (Photograph by Julian Avram/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Clint Dempsey has returned to action for the first time since his scary irregular heartbeat forced the USMNT star out of action last year in a preseason friendly.

It may have only been an uneventful thirty minutes, but it was simply marvelous to see Clint Dempsey back on the field for the Seattle Sounders.

The crusty Texan played his typical game, albeit with a good deal of both preseason and long layoff rust gradually falling off. He made a few charging runs that for those that know nothing about irregular heartbeats quiver in excitement/worry of the unknown.

Outside of a few missed passes and plays that just didn’t exactly come off, Dempsey’s lone real highlight was an audacious scissor kick attempt that actually was on frame. It was a rather tame shot straight to the goalkeeper, but still, it was fantastic to see Duce back to trying out new tricks.

More from MLS

Other takeaways from the preseason match are as follows:

Portland Timbers vs Seattle Sounders matches are always worth watching

What has become an annual tradition of preseason battles between Cascadia rivals, Timbers vs Sounders has as close to a regular season feel as possible for a preseason friendly. Down in Arizona, many miles away from their respective fanbases, these two clubs packed out a high school sized stadium with around 5,000 fans for an intense clash.

Both sides fielded strong lineups with stars Fanendo Adi, Diego Valeri, and Nicolas Lodeiro among others suiting up for at least a half. The tackling came fast and thick with some real crunchers including the always-up-for-it Diego Chara smashing Lodeiro. The often misguided intensity was fun to watch as these two clubs round themselves back into shape. It can be seen here:

The Portland Timbers may have found a winner in fire hydrant David Guzmán from Costa Rica. A goal this offseason for the Timbers was to find a new number six so Chara could move up to play more of an eight role. After my first impression of Guzman, I believe they found a winner. He was more than capable of making any tackle needed and was able to cover plenty of ground. In possession, he also impressed me with some calm combination play with Chara to work out of congestion.

Rennico Clarke should be given a shot for the center back position.

The young Jamaican age group player also impressed me during his half of play for the Timbers. While the club is still looking to improve the position with an external signing, perhaps Clarke might solve their problems. He has been with T2 for a few years now and based on his solid performance he might work his way into the lineup this season. At the very least he will be capable of providing cover for an incoming player.

Clarke, who is 6’4″ is a towering, yet quick, defensive presence who while didn’t really stand out, certainly held his own. Against a strong Seattle front line with Will Bruin starting at striker, Clarke more than handled his business the lone goal came long after he made his exit.