Sports. Honestly. Since 2011

DaMarcus Beasley At Azteca: What Is Dead May Never Die

Embed from Getty Images

Editorial (July 31, 2017) – DaMarcus Beasley turned 35-years-old earlier this past year. Like many people on Twitter, I freaked out a bit when I saw the United States Men’s National Team lineup for the Mexico game at the Azteca. Beasley was not the biggest surprise, but he was a concern. Old man Beasley went 90 minutes, took a bunch of punishment, and walked out with a point. Like a boss.

DaMarcus Beasley At Azteca: What Is Dead May Never Die

For those of you who don’t remember, here’s what happend in World Cup Qualifying at the Azteca in 2013. Omar Gonzalez and Matt Besler were babies on the national team level that night. The Americans bunkered for long stretches of the game. But they managed a scoreless draw.

Beasley held on to his butt and took a bunch of punishment. He defended like a gladiator against waves of attackers. He could barely walk off the field at the end of the match. But he did. With a well deserved point. Sound familiar? Twitter seems to thing so.

No matter how much or how many times pundits and fans doubt Beasley’s abilities, the outside back always seems to put up great performances in crunch time. I was ready to write his obituary right before the 2013 game. Many on Twitter were expecting doom in 2017 when they saw lineup. Beasley was among the concerns.

Beasley was targeted by Carlos Vela and Carlos Salcedo throughout the 90 minutes. Vela had two shots on goal including the lone goal for El Tri. The goal was more the fault of the midfield and the centerbacks than it was Beasley’s though. The Flash still had long stretches of solid defensive play.

The 35-year-old was also the most fouled player on the night, tied with Hector Herrera with four. Mexico tried to rough the old man up a bit, but he endured. He took one for the team at times. It wasn’t pretty, but it was effective. He did what he was good at and it worked.

He may not make the World Cup roster next summer, but if he’s called up for a World Cup Qualifier game or two, I’d expect him to shock everyone and get the job done. People have been saying Beasley has been dead, some for years. The Flash keeps proving them wrong. What is dead may never die.

Share:

More Posts

Send Us A Message