CLINT DEMPSEY SIGNS MLS CONTRACT

GREENVILLE -- Furman University men's soccer standout Clint Dempsey announced on Wednesday that he will forego his final season of eligibility at Furman University and enter the Major League Soccer Draft.

Dempsey recently signed a contract with Major League Soccer (MLS) as part of MLS' Project-40 program. The MLS SuperDraft will be held on January 16, in Charlotte, North Carolina as part of the annual NSCAA Convention. Dempsey becomes the second Paladin in as many years to sign with the Project-40 program. Last year, Ricardo Clark was the second overall pick the MLS Draft and was a finalist for MLS Rookie of the Year.

Dempsey, from Nacogdoches, Texas, scored 17 goals and recorded 19 assists for 53 points in his career at midfield and forward. He was selected to the NSCAA Second Team All-America squad in 2002 and was an All-Southern Conference selection all three years at Furman. He was also a two-time NSCAA All-South region choice.

"I had a great experience and learned a lot at Furman University over the last two and a half years," said Dempsey. "I am looking forward to moving on to the next level of soccer, but I will certainly miss my teammates and this school."

Dempsey is also a member of the United States Under-20 National team.

"Clint is an excellent soccer player and has been an asset to the program over the past three years," said Furman head coach Doug Allison. "We wish him the best as he continues his soccer career at the next level."

Members of the Project-40 team train together and travel overseas together to compete and train. Its members are each on a respective Major League Soccer team's roster and are full members of those teams. Another benefit of the Project-40 program, geared towards underclassmen who turn pro before graduation and high school seniors who elect not to go to college, is that MLS will pay tuition costs for those players who desire to complete their college education.