A Look Back At DaMarcus Beasley’s Incredible Career

Time is relentless, never slowing, never hurrying, giving us the opportunity to do with it as we please. Some take full advantage of their time, and fill it with an enthusiasm that makes them seem ageless.

This is true of the former Chicago Fire and USMNT star DaMarcus Beasley. With the announcement that this 2019 season will be the last of his illustrious career, we here at Hot Time in Old Town want to take time to reflect on the great career of one of the original Fire greats.

Joining the team before the 2000 season after being acquired from the LA Galaxy, Beasley instantly broke into the team, along with MLS SuperDraft selection of Carlos Bocanegra. The two youngsters provided an instant impact for the Fire, with Beasley chipping in three assists during their playoff run, helping the Men in Red to their second US Open Cup title.

Beasley upped his game in each season with the Fire, showing great potential and showcasing his skills. As great as his first three seasons were, 2003 proved to be a pinnacle in MLS for Beasley, as he was named to the MLS best XI team following a seven goal, five assist season that stemmed from newfound freedom under coach Sarachan. During that year he was able to clinch his second US Open Cup title with the Fire, and they won their first ever Supporters Shield.

Beasley truly came into his own during his time with the Fire, contributing fourteen goals and twenty assists over his bright time in the Windy City, and certainly earned his move abroad with his dazzling play and game changing speed. An MLS All-Star in three straight seasons from 2001-2003, Beasley took the league by storm and quickly proved himself a rising star, leading to his mid-season transfer to PSV Eindhoven in 2004.

PSV’s manager, Guus Hiddink, knew Beasley was special, lining him up as a replacement for Arjen Robben. Beasley did not disappoint that faith, contributing nine goals in his debut season to help them clinch their eighteenth league title. The next year, DMB became the first American to play in the semifinal stages of the UEFA champions league.

For the national team, Beasley has earned his reputation as an Energizer Bunny, weathering the mileage on his legs that have amassed from more than 400 career games and another 126 appearances for the USMNT. A participant in four FIFA World Cups and another six CONCACAF Gold Cups, Run-DMB has been a critical part of many US squads.

Yet t hasn’t always been easy for the talented midfielder-turned-fullback. Throughout his life and career, Beasley has endured a number of trials and tribulations, ranging from his car being bombed while with Rangers in Scotland, to a pair of knee injuries that kept him out of action over 110 days, and struggling to find playing time with Manchester City and Hannover 96. Through it all, Beasley has always been able to adapt and overcome, both on and off the pitch, adjusting his playing style and personal mentality to succeed in any situation.

He has enjoyed a career resurgence with the Houston Dynamo over the last few seasons after joining them in 2014, and was able to lift the US Open Cup again in 2018 following a number of great performances for his club during the tournament. Proving that he still has the skill to compete at the top level in this league, Beasley produced a number of highlights during this season’s CONCACAF Champions League, but none more stunning or fitting for such a talented player as his strike against CD Guastatoya. Charging in on a rebound following a corner, Beasley turned back the time and unleashed a great volley that left the keeper helpless and gave the Dynamo a late win.

Beasley will always be thought of fondly by Fire faithful, grateful for the chance to watch his illustrious career begin and grow during his time in the Windy City.

All the best DaMarcus, you are always one of the great ones.