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Beasley Is Open To Different Options With US, Club
DaMarcus Beasley has been a regular player for Bob Bradley's U.S. squad, but not in the leftback spot he played against Trinidad and Tobago.
Apr 2, 2009 1:57:34 AM
A familiar face was part of the U.S. team's victory over Trinidad and Tobago, but in an unfamiliar spot. Unhappy with his other options at left back, coach Bob Bradley set DaMarcus Beasley in that position and the speedy player responded with a commendable performance.
Bradley noted that Beasley faced off against one of the most dangerous attackers on the TnT squad.
"Carlos Edwards is a good player - we think one of the most important players on Trinidad," said Bradley. "We had talked to DaMarcus in the last year or so about starting to think about using him as a left back at times."
The coach pointed out that he had in fact used Beasley in that position in the last round of qualifying matches once. In the recent draw versus El Salvador, Beasley made the switch from midfield during the game, to allow for another attacer to help the team rally.
"I give DaMarcus a lot of credit;we’ve challenged him with this and he’s responded really well," Bradley said. "Tonight I think he showed that that’s a place he can help us, as well as his play in the midfield."
Beasley developed his versatility early on when he played in the backline years ago for Bradley, when both were with the Chicago Fire.
His willingess to try different things served him well in the early days of his career abroad as well. Now it may help propel him out of his situation at Rangers in Scotland, where he is currently stalled with little playing time.
"I've been looking for a change," Beasley acknowledged. "But I have a lot of time before summer and the season's not over. For the rest of the season, we're trying to win a championship, so I'm hanging in there right now."
The midfielder, and now part-time defender, wouldn't tip his had on which league he'd prefer to move to. "I'll keep my options open, doesn't matter if it's in MLS or wherever. I want to play."
The Old Firm player did express a preference for where U.S. teammate Jozy Altidore now plys his trade.
"My first option would be Spain if I ever had the chance," Beasley said. "At the same time, I'm happy where I am."
That persistent optimism has helped fuel Beasley through his current dry spell of club playing time.
"I do a lot of extra work when I'm not playing at Rangers to keep fit," Beasle explained. "Even though I'm not playing, I'm pretty upbeat about myself and what I can bring to a game."
Whatever his struggles at the club level, Beasley was confident that he could still offer something important to the U.S. national team.
"Bob knows that, too," Beasley asserted. "He's known me since I was 17. If he sees I'm not doing well, he'll come and talk to me. But he puts me on the field for a reason."
Andrea Canales, Goal.com, with reporting from Shane Evans in Nashville.
Bradley noted that Beasley faced off against one of the most dangerous attackers on the TnT squad.
"Carlos Edwards is a good player - we think one of the most important players on Trinidad," said Bradley. "We had talked to DaMarcus in the last year or so about starting to think about using him as a left back at times."
The coach pointed out that he had in fact used Beasley in that position in the last round of qualifying matches once. In the recent draw versus El Salvador, Beasley made the switch from midfield during the game, to allow for another attacer to help the team rally.
"I give DaMarcus a lot of credit;we’ve challenged him with this and he’s responded really well," Bradley said. "Tonight I think he showed that that’s a place he can help us, as well as his play in the midfield."
Beasley developed his versatility early on when he played in the backline years ago for Bradley, when both were with the Chicago Fire.
His willingess to try different things served him well in the early days of his career abroad as well. Now it may help propel him out of his situation at Rangers in Scotland, where he is currently stalled with little playing time.
"I've been looking for a change," Beasley acknowledged. "But I have a lot of time before summer and the season's not over. For the rest of the season, we're trying to win a championship, so I'm hanging in there right now."
The midfielder, and now part-time defender, wouldn't tip his had on which league he'd prefer to move to. "I'll keep my options open, doesn't matter if it's in MLS or wherever. I want to play."
The Old Firm player did express a preference for where U.S. teammate Jozy Altidore now plys his trade.
"My first option would be Spain if I ever had the chance," Beasley said. "At the same time, I'm happy where I am."
That persistent optimism has helped fuel Beasley through his current dry spell of club playing time.
"I do a lot of extra work when I'm not playing at Rangers to keep fit," Beasle explained. "Even though I'm not playing, I'm pretty upbeat about myself and what I can bring to a game."
Whatever his struggles at the club level, Beasley was confident that he could still offer something important to the U.S. national team.
"Bob knows that, too," Beasley asserted. "He's known me since I was 17. If he sees I'm not doing well, he'll come and talk to me. But he puts me on the field for a reason."
Andrea Canales, Goal.com, with reporting from Shane Evans in Nashville.
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