December 13, 2002

FURMAN'S CLARK, DEMPSEY EARN ALL-AMERICA HONORS

GREENVILLE -- Furman sophomores Ricardo Clark and Clint Dempsey were each selected to the NSCAA (National Soccer Coaches Association of America) All-America team on Friday as Clark was a first team choice and Dempsey was named to the second team.

Ricardo Clark, from Jonesboro, Ga., anchored Furman's midfield this season as he scored three goals and recorded three assists for nine points. He is also a starter on the U.S. Under-20 National Team as he will compete with the US in the FIFA World Youth Championships this spring in the United Arab Emirates. Clark was also a first team All-Southern Conference selection and a first team NSCAA All-South region choice.

Clark becomes only the fourth Furman soccer player to earn First Team All-America honors, while Furman has now had a first team All-American in six of the last seven years. Clark joins Pete Santora (1996, 1997), Daniel Alvarez (1999), and John Barry Nusum (1999, 2000, 2001) as first team All-Americans at Furman.

Clint Dempsey is a flashy midfielder from Nacogdoches, Texas who was third on the team in scoring with a six goals and six assists for 18 points this season. Dempsey was also a first team All-Southern Conference selection and a first team NSCAA All-South region choice. Dempsey, Matt Goldsmith and Osian Roberts round out Furman's seven All-Americans all-time.

"This is a great honor for two excellent soccer players," said Furman head coach Doug Allison. "Ricardo and Clint did an excellent job for us this season and it is great to see them recognized for their hard work and talents."

Furman is one of nine schools with multiple selections to the three teams. The Paladins finished the season with a 19-3-1 overall record, including a third round appearance in the NCAA Tournament. Furman set new NCAA Division I records this season as it extended its Southern Conference unbeaten streak to 43 matches and as it recorded 11 straight shutouts from October 9 through November 27, going 1,129 minutes without allowing a goal.

NSCAA All-America

First Team

Second Team

Third Team