Watch: Clint Dempsey scores in World Cup qualifier vs. Guatemala

Clint Dempsey gave the United States a 1–0 lead over Guatemala with an early goal.

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With the United States desperately needing a victory against Guatemala, Clint Dempsey helped calm nerves with an early goal.

Dempsey scored in the 12th minute of the U.S.’s do-or-die World Cup qualifier, taking advantage of a loose ball at the top of the box with a right-footed strike that found the back of the net. The shot was set up by a run from Gyasi Zardes, who headed a long pass from Geoff Cameron back to Dempsey for the shot.

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The goal was Dempsey’s sixth in 12 matches against Guatemala, and his 14th in World Cup qualifying history, breaking a tie with Landon Donovan for most all time. Dempsey now has 49 career international goals, eight behind Donovan for the United States record.