Seattle Sounders forward Clint Dempsey returned to the lineup in a preseason friendly against the Portland Timbers in Tucson, Ariz., on Saturday for the first time since late August while recovering from an irregular heartbeat.
Dempsey started as a withdrawn forward in head coach Brian Schmetzer’s 4-2-3-1 formation and impressed in his first game action in over five months. He went 30 minutes and flashed bits and pieces of his usual self.
While Dempsey wasn’t entirely back to full strength, it was an encouraging sign to see him competing again.
“His recovery is going as scheduled,” Schmetzer said. “That was 30 minutes…we couldn’t give him anymore. Next game we’ll ramp him up a little more. We’ll have to get doctors’ clearance. We’re taking it very carefully.”
Dempsey said it felt good to be back on the field and to finally get to play, despite the inevitable rust associated with such a taxing ordeal and long recovery.
“It’s been a rollercoaster,” Dempsey said. “You want to do whatever you can to get back on the field and keep playing. I’ve worked to get back in the position of being on the field, now it’s just about getting sharper, getting touches a little better, passes a little better.
“I’m looking forward to that process and hopefully being ready for the start of the season,” he continued. “I’m looking forward to the next games and having more of an impact.”
While Dempsey’s return was certainly the biggest storyline of the evening, another developed in net. Second-year goalkeeper Tyler Miller started and was the only Sounder to play the full 90 minutes. He filled in for the injured Stefan Frei, who is recovering from a sprained right ankle he suffered while with the United States national team at January camp.
Miller made an incredible save in the second half that had Schmetzer reeling off compliments.
“[Miller’s save] was very reminiscent of a game not too long ago,” Schmetzer said, referencing Frei’s now-iconic fingertip in extra time of MLS Cup. Must be the good work of [Sounders goalkeeping coach] Tommy Dutra.
“[Miller was] exactly as advertised,” Schmetzer continued. “[He is a] good, young, promising goalkeeper, lots of potential.”
Miller was happy he was able to see the field and put in a solid shift.
“I’m training every day, I’m getting more reps and really maturing with the guys,” Miller said. “It was great to get 90 minutes.”
The Sounders will scrimmage the San Jose Earthquakes on Tuesday (9:30 a.m. PT; SoundersFC.com) in their final match in Arizona.
