Revolution's Dempsey seeks victory as sendoff



FRISCO, Texas (AP) -- Clint Dempsey could be leaving Major League Soccer for Europe, and a title for the New England Revolution would be a perfect send-off.
Dempsey, a World Cup player, has been the Revolution's best midfielder. He says today's championship game against the Houston Dynamo could be his last in America before heading overseas.
"I want to move on to Europe and try myself," said Dempsey, who is questionable to start because of an ankle sprain. "I got some interest, got a little bit of buzz during the World Cup, and that's always been my goal. It's looking good, but there a lot of things that still has to happen."
The decision is not a knock against the league, said Dempsey, standing in the sleek, soccer-specific Pizza Hut Park that MLS officials believe is a sign the 11-year-old league is growing and where the last two MLS Cups have been played.
But at 23, Dempsey believes it's time. And if he can help the Revolution win a championship, it would mark New England's first in three MLS Cup appearances. The Revolution were also in Frisco, a moneyed suburb about 30 miles outside Dallas, a year ago for the title game but lost to the Los Angeles Galaxy 1-0 in overtime. The MLS Cup also isn't a new stage for Dynamo, who were league champions in 2001 and 2003 as the San Jose Earthquakes.
Copyright 2006 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.