SEATTLE, WA – JUNE 16: Clint Dempsey #8 of the United States reacts after scoring a goal against Ecuador during the 2016 Quarterfinal – Copa America Centenario match at CenturyLink Field on June 16, 2016 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

The United States men’s national team and the Seattle Sounders of MLS have counted on star forward Clint Dempsey a lot in recent years. He’s a leader for both teams and one of the most prolific scorers in USMNT and MLS history.

However, the Sounders released a statement on Friday afternoon saying that Dempsey is undergoing medical testing for what is being termed “an irregular heartbeat”, and he will not be competing for either his club or his country for the time being.

At 33 years old, Dempsey is seen as on the downside of his soccer career, but he is hardly slowing down in terms of production. He has made 82 appearances for Seattle, recording 37 goals and 23 assists across MLS regular season and postseason play since joining the club. He is the only player in MLS to record double-digit goals and assists over the past two league campaigns as well.

This season, Dempsey has been the bellwether for the Sounders fortunes. He has just eight goals on the season, but five of them have come in the recent ressurgance of the club. The Sounders are riding a five-game unbeaten streak and Dempsey’s return to goal-poaching form has been a massive catalyst for the turnaround.

However, the biggest set of shoes to fill comes on the national team.

Dempsey has netted 52 goals in 130 appearances for the United States men’s national team as well. His 130 appearances rank him fourth all-time for the USMNT, while he is just six goals from taking over as the all-time leading scorer in national team history as well.

The USMNT as they have struggled to score goals and get creative without him on the field in the past two years. Dempsey’s leadership in terms of production and attitude also are going to be sorely missed.

[Seattle Sounders FC]

About Andrew Coppens

Andy is a contributor to The Comeback as well as Publisher of Big Ten site talking10. He also is a member of the FWAA and has been covering college sports since 2011. Andy is an avid soccer fan and runs the Celtic FC site The Celtic Bhoys. If he's not writing about sports, you can find him enjoying them in front of the TV with a good beer!

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