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'It Was My Late Sister'- The Touching Story Behind Clint Dempsey's Iconic Goal Vs England

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Emmanuel Mendez | Last updated Jun 23, 2025 2:51 PM ET

Clint Dempsey is known to be one of the greatest American soccer players of all time. The former forward and attacking midfielder was essential in growing U.S. soccer over the past few decades.

Dempsey had many iconic moments representing the United States and taking the USMNT to great heights. One of them happened in the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

Dempsey, along with other legends like Landon Donovan, Michael Bradley, and Tim Howard, gave US soccer fans hope in reaching heights that were unimaginable in world soccer.

In the 2010 World Cup, the USMNT were in Group C with England, Slovenia, and Algeria. The team's first match of the group stage was against England, in a game that ended 1-1 thanks to a famous Dempsey equalizer.

Just a quick reminder:

Dempsey scored on pic.twitter.com/xBY59PWruU
— Travis (@usmnt_historian) November 25, 2022

The goal remains one of the most memorable in USMNT history, but the story behind the goal from Dempsey's perspective makes it even more special.

Clint Dempsey's Story of His Late Sister

Dempsey spoke with Men in Blazers about the iconic goal he scored against England in 2010. Many fans called the goal lucky due to the moment being deemed more of a mistake from England's goalkeeper, Rob Green.

Dempsey shares that he believes the goal was helped by his late sister, and the former USMNT captain captivated fans with his reasoning.

"It was my late sister helping me out. That's what I felt on that goal."

Clint Dempsey on his goal celebration against England at the 2010 World Cup ❤️@MenInBlazers @clint_dempsey pic.twitter.com/G3knBqNoqN
— USMNT Only (@usmntonly) June 21, 2025

As mentioned earlier, the goal led to the final score being 1-1 between England and the USA. The USMNT ended up topping the group with five points. The USMNT then drew Slovenia 2-2 and secured a dramatic 1-0 win over Algeria to progress to the knockout stage.

The team fell short against Ghana in a 2-1 loss in the Round of 16 of the 2010 World Cup. The Dempsey goal happened 15 years ago, as it happened on June 12, 2010.

Dempsey and Rob Green on the Iconic Goal

Dempsey spoke with former England goalkeeper Rob Green about his iconic goal for Team USA. The former players were respectful when discussing the goal, and Dempsey once again mentioned the story of his sister.

Green appreciated seeing the perspective of the American player after being criticised for his mistake that cost England three points during the World Cup that year.

Rob Green revealed that sports psychologists were essential to help him during tough moments, like the mistake he made playing for England against the USA.