2010 USA Away – Clint Dempsey #8

The 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa was a memorable tournament for the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT), marked by resilience, late drama, and one of the nation’s most iconic soccer moments.

• Group Stage (Group C):

  • USA 1–1 England – Clint Dempsey scored the equalizer with a long-range effort that slipped past goalkeeper Robert Green.

  • USA 2–2 Slovenia – Landon Donovan and Michael Bradley scored to spark a comeback, though a third U.S. goal was controversially disallowed.

  • USA 1–0 Algeria – In stoppage time, Landon Donovan scored the dramatic winner, sending the U.S. through as group winners for the first time since 1930.

• Round of 16: Faced Ghana, losing 2–1 after extra time, with Landon Donovan scoring a penalty.

• Result: USA exited in the Round of 16, but the campaign is fondly remembered for its heart and fight.

• Kit: The 2010 USA away jersey, designed by Nike, was navy blue with a bold diagonal white sash across the front. It was inspired by the 1950 U.S. team that famously upset England at the World Cup, connecting past and present in one of the most stylish U.S. kits ever.

2. Player’s Impact – Clint Dempsey (2010 World Cup)

Clint Dempsey, the fearless and gritty attacker, was one of the USA’s most important players at the 2010 World Cup.

• Appearances: Played in all 4 matches.

• Goals: Scored 1 (vs. England) — becoming the first American to score in two different World Cups (2006, 2010).

• Key Contributions:

  • His goal against England set the tone for the U.S. campaign, earning a crucial point in their toughest group game.

  • Constantly pressed defenders and created chances with his direct play and determination.

• Role: Deployed primarily as an attacking midfielder/winger, Dempsey’s versatility allowed him to drift centrally and combine with Donovan, Altidore, and Bradley.

• Legacy: This World Cup cemented Dempsey’s reputation as a clutch performer for the USMNT. He would go on to score in three consecutive World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014) — the only American male player to achieve this.

3. Full Squad List – USA 2010 World Cup

Manager: Bob Bradley

Goalkeepers:

• Tim Howard (Everton)

• Brad Guzan (Aston Villa)

• Marcus Hahnemann (Wolves)

Defenders:

• Carlos Bocanegra (Rennes, Captain)

• Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96)

• Jay DeMerit (Watford)

• Oguchi Onyewu (AC Milan)

• Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA)

• Clarence Goodson (Start)

• Jonathan Spector (West Ham United)

Midfielders:

• Michael Bradley (Borussia Mönchengladbach)

• Maurice Edu (Rangers)

• Ricardo Clark (Eintracht Frankfurt)

• José Francisco Torres (Pachuca)

• DaMarcus Beasley (Rangers)

• Clint Dempsey (Fulham)

• Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy)

• Benny Feilhaber (AGF Aarhus)

Forwards:

• Jozy Altidore (Hull City, on loan from Villarreal)

• Edson Buddle (LA Galaxy)

• Herculez Gomez (Puebla)

• Robbie Findley (Real Salt Lake)