Toronto FC announced on Friday that they have acquired Iranian international defender Steven Beitashour from the Vancouver Whitecaps FC in exchange for the former's second-highest selection in the second round of the 2016 MLS SuperDraft.
“The right back position is one we struggled to fill at times this past season due to injury and available personnel and Steven more than fills that void. He is one of the top right backs in MLS,” said TFC general manager Tim Bezbatchenko in a statement. “Steven brings valuable league and international experience to our defensive group. We are very happy that he wanted to come to Toronto FC and that we were able to finalize this deal.”
Beitashour, 28, joins Toronto after two seasons with the Whitecaps. With Vancouver, Beitashour made a combined 58 appearances, notching eight assists in MLS league play, the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs and the Amway Canadian Championship, the latter of which Vancouver won in 2015.
Beitashour joined Vancouver via trade from the San Jose Earthquakes, where he made a combined 89 appearances (league and playoffs) over four seasons, scoring two goals and adding 16 assists. He was named an MLS All-Star during the 2012 season as the Earthquakes won the Supporters' Shield. In six seasons in MLS, Beitashour has made a combined 145 appearances with two goals and 24 assists.
“Toronto FC is a club that definitely caused teams around MLS to take notice last season and I’m looking forward to the chance to help take the club to the next level,” said Beitashour. “I’m excited to once again play alongside Justin Morrow and looking forward to this new challenge.”
Beitashour has earned six caps for the Iranian national team, including a place on the country's 2014 FIFA World Cup squad.
