FRISCO, Texas -- If Sunday's MLS Cup Final was the final game of Clint Dempsey's New England Revolution career, it certainly didn't have the happy ending that he, along with the remainder of the organization, wanted as they lost a third successive championship, on penalties to Houston Dynamo.
In the game's aftermath, Dempsey tried to put a positive spin on the outcome.
"It was good to be part of this game because I think it was a good final and everyone played really hard. I have no hard feelings. Ideally you would like to win but things don't always happen so, you know, all you can do is move on," he said. "You really can't dwell on the past because it is already over. You just move on to the next thing. There is always something next so you have to move forward day by day."
Limited to a substitute's role by an ankle injury which he sustained three weeks ago, Dempsey did not enter the game until the 62nd minute and he admitted to feeling a little bit short of his top form.
"You want to be able to play your best soccer in the final but that wasn't the case. All I wanted to do was try and go out there and help the team," Dempsey said. "I felt like I was able to bring a spark and try and contribute. I just tried to do what I always do, just try to create chances and score goals. I came up a little bit short in the diving header attempt that I had in the second half. I just tried to do the best I could without being 100 percent."
Dempsey's direct style worried Houston's defense at times and led to a booking in extra time for Ryan Cochrane. However, though he felt he was able to help his side, Dempsey was frustrated that he was not quite at the level he wanted to be. That he was out there at all was a credit to the work of the Revolution's medical staff, to whom he paid tribute.
"I would say I was close to 90 percent. I still couldn't get stuck in on tackles or strike the ball the way I wanted to with my right foot," he said. "I was almost there. I give credit to the training staff because the injury I had normally takes four to six weeks and I got back in three. Hats off to the trainers and the doctor we have for helping me get back so quick."
Dempsey has spoken on many occasions over the past year about his desire to further his career and he sees a move overseas as the best way to do that. Rumors linking him with several European clubs have been frequent throughout the season, especially following his encouraging displays for the USA at the World Cup. Once the dust has settled on his current club's loss, Dempsey believes things could start to happen regarding his future.
"I have to wait until a few days after this game is over and until things settle down. I have to wait and see what the league is going to do because things could come through, perhaps offers," he said.
Dempsey was asked if any offers have come through but refused to comment specifically, adding that nothing is set in stone and that he could yet play out the remainder of his contract in MLS, which has one year left to run.
"I'm not really going to put that out there. When it is time for people to find out, they will find out," he said. "If nothing happens, nothing happens and I might be here for another season."
Andrew Hush is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
Dynamo are champs: 
Nov. 12 postgame: 
