Dempsey's Brace Against Wolves

On This Day in 2012, Forward Followed Up the US Goal with a Fulham Double in a Premier League Victory

Clint Dempsey did something awe-inspiring during a few days in early 2012, where he delivered match-winning performances for club and country in the same week. Even more impressive, both matches came in Europe. His goal in Genoa on leap day had given the U.S. Men's National Team their first-ever victory over Italy, a historic 1-0 triumph. Now, just three days after that momentous night at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris, Dempsey returned to Craven Cottage with barely time to process the achievement.

Under coach Jurgen Klinsmann's new vision for American soccer, Dempsey had become the standard-bearer for what U.S. players could achieve in Europe. His goal against Italy wasn't just about one victory—it represented the kind of fearless mentality Klinsmann was trying to instill in his squad. "I think that win means a lot to the players because psychologically, it tells you, Yeah, you can do it," Klinsmann said after the Italy match.

Dempsey would prove those words prophetic on a crisp March 4 afternoon in West London. With Fulham already leading Wolves 2-0 through Pavel Pogrebnyak's first-half double, the American midfielder seized his moment in the second half. When Danny Murphy's precise through ball caught the Wolves defense in disarray, Dempsey showed the same composure that had stunned the Azzurri, ghosting between defenders before rounding goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey to make it 3-0.

But the defining moment of his afternoon came later, as Fulham continued their relentless attack. Dempsey capped off what manager Martin Jol called a "mesmerizing passing move" with a clinical finish that epitomized his growing confidence. The goal was his 18th of the season across all competitions - matching his career best with months still to play.

"It's very pleasing," Jol reflected afterward. "We have Andy Johnson, who is always involved, and Clint Dempsey, who equaled his best goal tally for the season." The understated praise belied the historical significance - no American had ever scored more goals in a single Premier League campaign.

Klinsmann, who had challenged Dempsey to aim even higher upon taking the U.S. job, praised the performance, which validated his push for American players to break through their perceived ceiling. "I said, 'Hey man, sky's the limit for you, but you have to improve in many areas,'" Klinsmann told him. I'm happy you play for Fulham in a Premier League team. That's awesome. But it's not the final destination."

That afternoon at Craven Cottage, as Fulham climbed to eighth in the Premier League table, Dempsey had shown just how far an American player could go. In four days, he had made history in Italy and dominated in England's top flight, redefining what was possible for U.S. soccer on the global stage.

"You have to constantly have the inner hunger to score the next one," Klinsmann said about Dempsey's Italy heroics. Against Wolves, his clinical double drove Fulham to their third straight victory, and that hunger was undeniable. For Dempsey, it was just another step in pushing American soccer's boundaries ever higher.