Clint’s off the ball movement for the goal

We’ve done this thing before, how tap-ins are only tap-ins because someone had the nous to get into the right position (e.g. Gera v Hamburg).

Note the following, then. Dempsey initially shapes towards the far post, then holds his ground in the middle, possibly in expectation of a Murphy cross.  But then, when Murphy shoots, nobody else gambles like Dempsey does.  It is generally assumed that Reina will save the ball, but Dempsey doesn’t take that view and chases in, just in case (Gary Lineker always stressed the importance of gambling as a striker).

He’s rewarded with what becomes a simple goal, and there’s not a defender in sight.

Good, intelligent play.

(also, half an assist for AJ, who looks to have been in Reina’s line of sight. Credit also to Ruiz, for springing Riise, Riise for a good progressive run, Senderos for the nice ball back out to Murphy, and Murphy himself for getting it in the mixer)