DEMPSEY, CLARK KEY IN AMERICAN DEFEAT OF SPAIN

The soccer world is in shock Thursday after the U.S. men’s club defeated the world’s top-ranked team. And a pair of former Furman University stars were instrumental in leading the Americans to victory.

Former All-Americans Clint Dempsey and Ricardo Clark each played a key role in Team USA’s 2-0 defeat of world powerhouse Spain in the semifinal round of the Confederations Cup in South Africa.

Dempsey scored a goal to clinch the win while Clark’s defensive skills helped keep Spain from netting a single goal.

“It’s huge for U.S. soccer,” said Dempsey, who plays professionally in the English Premier League. “I think it’s the first time for the men to be in the final of a major international competition. No one expected us to win this game.”

Oguchi Onyewu, who played at Clemson, also saw action in the Spain match. Former University of South Carolina star Brad Guzan was also in goal during the U.S. 3-0 win over Egypt in the last round.

The Americans next face world powerhouse Brazil or South Africa in the finals.