This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Tukwila, Wash. • Clint Dempsey has a good feel for what makes a big rivalry. He played in two of the biggest in England during his time in the Premier League with Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur.
Even Dempsey is impressed by what Sunday night could bring when 67,000 fans are expected to watch him make his home debut for the Seattle Sounders against rival Portland.
Just over two weeks ago, Dempsey was introduced to a roaring crowd as Seattle's newest designated player before a home match against Dallas, completing a transfer from Tottenham back to Major League Soccer. If Dempsey was taken aback by his initial reception, Sunday night might overwhelm him.
In two matches with Seattle, Dempsey has yet to score. The Sounders won in his first match in Toronto before losing 3-1 at Houston last weekend.