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Dempsey chosen U.S. soccer player of the year

The U.S. Soccer Player of the Year Award was given Tuesday to New England Revolution`s Clint Dempsey. The 23 year old received 237 points, ahead of second place goalkeeper Kasey Keller who had 184 and third place forward Brian McBride with 127. Keller won the award twice in the past. "It gives me a lot of joy," Dempsey said. "I`m proud to be with the players who have won this."

The award is given annually to the best U.S. men`s team member as voted by media from around the country in a poll conducted by San Francisco-based Futbol de Primera. Of the three players at the top of the poll, Dempsey is the only one who is playing in the United States. Earlier in the year he said he has no plans to return to MLS after his contract expires and instead will seek playing time in Europe "no matter what."

Dempsey scored four goals for the American national team this season, including the only goal scored by the team in their three World Cup matches. He has also scored six goals for the Revolution. His success is exceptional for a young player, who made his first start for the US team only in 2005.