The storied career of DaMarcus Beasley is nearing its final chapters, as the Houston Dynamo captain announced Monday that he’ll retire at the end of the 2019 season.
As that news settles in, it’s worth reflecting on just how incredible the 20-year run of the Fort Wayne, Indiana native has been. As both a left back and winger, he’s represented the US national team at World Cups and Gold Cups, plus thrived at the club level. His European stints include PSV, Manchester City, Rangers and Hannover 96, plus time in Liga MX with Puebla. Now back in MLS, Beasley has logged stateside appearances with the Chicago Fire and Dynamo.
Encompassing two decades of a career is quite the task, but some moments have stood out above the rest. Here’s a look at some top achievements by the soon-to-be-37-year-old.
World Cup debut
After wowing with the US U-17 national team alongside Landon Donovan, Beasley was brought to the 2002 FIFA World Cup at the tender age of 20. That marked a rapid rise for the product of U.S. Soccer’s now-defunct Bradenton residency program, as he featured prominently in Japan and South Korea.
Beasley played in all three group stage games – a win vs. Portugal, draw against South Korea and loss to Poland – though not in knockout-stage games against Mexico and Germany. In the modern era, this was the USMNT’s best World Cup performance and Beasley played a vital role.
Dos a Cero
With 126 appearances for the national team, few players have experienced as many “Dos a Cero” games as Beasley. In fact, a Sept. 3, 2005 goal from "Beas" doubled the Americans’ scoreline during a World Cup qualifier against archrivals Mexico.
The left-footed curler clinched the USMNT’s spot in the 2006 World Cup, as Beasley added insurance to a Steve Ralston goal, with the US winning 2-0 in Columbus, Ohio, the de facto home for such qualifiers.
The USMNT went on to finish bottom of Group D in Germany, the second of four World Cups that Beasley participated in. He set up the Americans’ first goal of the tournament with a whipped-in cross to Clint Dempsey against Ghana.
Chicago Fire circa 2003
The early days of Beasley’s professional career arrived with the Chicago Fire, with 2003 perhaps the most memorable season. That produced a Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup title and Supporters' Shield.
That season also caused interest from Dutch club PSV to pick up steam, as he went on to win two Eredivisie titles with the club and appear in the Champions League.
But that 2003 season – one alongside the likes of current New York Red Bulls coach Chris Armas and Atlanta United technical director Carlos Bocanegra – laid a foundation, at least at the club level. That same campaign, Beasley was also named to the MLS Best XI and an MLS All-Star.
Gold Cup runs
Most American players would feel fortunate to win a single Gold Cup. Beasley, however, has reached that pinnacle four times throughout his illustrious career: 2002, 2005, 2007 and 2013. He even captained the US during their 2013 win, a 1-0 victory over Panama at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois.
Shortly after, Beasley was named to the US roster for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. He was a trusted veteran under then-head coach Jurgen Klinsmann, one who turned to the elder statesmen on multiple occasions.
Beasley eventually came out of international retirement for the 2015 Gold Cup, only appearing in the third-place match against Panama.
Open Cup glory
Few field players are still suiting up at age 36, never mind winning trophies. Yet there Beasley was at center stage, raising the 2018 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
He went the full 90 minutes at left back in a 3-0 cup final win over the Philadelphia Union, as Mauro Manotas bagged a brace and the Dynamo benefited from an own goal by young center back Auston Trusty. The win also served as Beasley’s third Open Cup title, having won two others with the Fire.
That’s Beasley’s sole trophy with Houston, though he’s still chasing more in his 20th season as he continues to turn back Father Time.
