Defender DaMarcus Beasley (pictured) has scored 17 goals in 123 appearances for the USA. (Photo: Victor Straffon/Straffon Images)
CARSON, California -- Every time he thinks his international career is over, DaMarcus Beasley keeps getting called in to the U.S. national team.
Not that he is complaining.
Beasley is a left back, and proven players at that position at the international level are be a rare commodity. That was one reason why head coach Bruce Arena decided to bring in the veteran for the traditional January training camp.
Arena said that Beasley "can still play at this level. He brings experience. He’s a smart player. He still defends well and he gives us something in the attack. He’s a good team player. Those are qualities that any team would like to have."
The 34-year-old, who was named to the 23-man roster for Sunday's international match against visiting Serbia in San Diego, stressed the importance of the Americans’ camp. The U.S. opened the final round CONCACAF qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup with a 0W-0D-2L record under former manager Jurgen Klinsmann, so Sunday's game and a February 3 match against Jamaica are vitally important.
"This camp is about business," he stated. "It's important. Right around the corner we've got qualifying in March. Guys that do go to those games, you want to make. They'll be ready to play in March."
The 123-time capped Beasley, the first American to perform in four FIFA World Cups (2002, 2006, 2010, 2014), played under Arena in his first two appearances.
Since he is currently a free agent and without a club, the former PSV Eindhoven standout is happy to be on the field…and playing a role with the national team.
"I'm excited to be back," Beasley concluded. "It's a very important time for the U.S. team. Any way I can help, I told then I can.”
The U.S. resume World Cup Qualifying by hosting Honduras on March 24.
