DaMarcus Beasley
|
|
DaMarcus Beasley (born May 24, 1982 in Fort Wayne, Indiana) is an American soccer player. He plays mostly as a winger, using his speed and quickness to trouble defenses. Beasley was one of the most prominent players in MLS before making a move during the league's 2004 season to Dutch power PSV Eindhoven.
His talent has been clear since he joined the IMG Soccer Academy, the United States Soccer Federation's Residency program in Bradenton, Florida. Beasley starred in the 1999 U-17 World Cup in New Zealand, winning the Silver Ball as the tournament's second best player, behind teammate Landon Donovan.
Beasley signed with MLS on March 16, 1999, and was allocated to the Los Angeles Galaxy. However, without playing a single game, he was traded to the Chicago Fire, with whom he excelled from his debut in 2000. In four seasons in MLS, Beasley scored 14 goals and 20 assists and was named to the league Best XI in 2003. His stay with the Fire ended on July 19, 2004, when PSV agreed on a transfer with MLS.
Beasley has also excelled for the United States national team, getting his first cap January 27, 2001 against China. He played for the Under-20 team at the 2001 World Youth Championship in Argentina. DaMarcus then earned a place with the 2002 World Cup squad, and since secured his place as the team's starting left midfielder.
DaMarcus' older brother Jamar also played in MLS, for the Fire and the New England Revolution.