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Soccer | Clint Dempsey back for U.S. qualifier

MIAMI — Clint Dempsey is expected to play his first game with the U.S. since October when the national team plays a World Cup qualifying match tonight in Guatemala.

Dempsey, 33, was left off the roster for two qualifying matches in November, when coach Jurgen Klinsmann cited the need to look at younger players.

"It's not really up to me," said Dempsey, in reference to not playing last fall. "It is and it isn't. It is in that you have to keep working hard and playing. But it's up to the coaching staff to make the decisions, and I'm happy to be a part of these important games.