Steven Beitashour

PROFILE
A right fullback with four years of MLS experience, Steven Beitashour joined Whitecaps FC on January 27, 2014 after being acquired from his hometown club San Jose Earthquakes for allocation money. As a member of the Quakes, the 2012 MLS All-Star made 89 MLS regular season and playoff appearances, including 88 starts, while recording two goals, and 16 assists. Beitashour, born to Iranian parents, is member of Iran’s national team having made his debut in October 2013.

MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER
2013: After sitting out the first seven matches of the season, Beitashour started each of San Jose's final 27 MLS matches, scoring one goal and recording three assists. The defender's three assists came on May 5 against Toronto FC, May 11 against Seattle, and June 1 against Real Salt Lake. His lone goal in 2013, and the second goal of his MLS career, came on August 24 against FC Dallas. Beitashour also made one start for the Earthquakes in the 2013-14 CONCACAF Champions League, playing the full 90 minutes in a 1-0 win over Guatemalan side CD Heredia in the club's final group stage match on October 23. The victory allowed San Jose to advance to the quarterfinals. 2012: Started all 33 of his MLS appearances, missing only a single match for the 2012 Supporter's Shield winners. His six assists were the third highest total on the team, and only one off of his career high set the previous year. In the U.S. Open Cup, Beitashour appeared in all three matches for San Jose, starting twice and recording one assist. Among his highlights from the 2012 season was a selection to the MLS All-Star team, where he started alongside Whitecaps FC captain Jay DeMerit and played the full 90 minutes in a 3-2 win over English Premier League side Chelsea FC. Come playoff time, Beitashour started both of the Quakes' Western Conference semifinal matches as they fell to eventual MLS Cup champions LA Galaxy. 2011: In his second MLS season, Beitashour started all 19 of his appearances while leading the team with seven assists - which was also tied for a league high among defenders. A start against Chicago Fire on September 10 would begin a stretch of eight consecutive MLS starts to end the season, a streak that would extend to 30 consecutive starts until July 22, 2012 at BC Place. Also made two starts in U.S. Open Cup qualifying, playing 120 minutes in a 1-0 shootout win against Portland Timbers on May 3, and another 120 minutes in a 3-2 shootout defeat against Chicago Fire on May 24. 2010: Was drafted in the second round of the 2010 MLS SuperDraft (30th overall) by his hometown San Jose Earthquakes. During his rookie season, Beitashour would start seven of his eight MLS appearances. He scored his first career MLS goal on April 24, on the road in a 3-2 defeat against Chivas USA. In U.S. Open Cup qualification, played 107 minutes in a 4-3 shootout defeat to Real Salt Lake on April 14.

INTERNATIONAL
A dual American-Iranian citizen, Beitashour chose to represent Iran when he was called into camp for 2015 AFC Asian Cup qualification. He made his debut in Iran's 2-1 win over Thailand, coming on as a 76th minute substitute for Hossein Mahini. He made his first start and recorded his first assist for Iran in the ensuing match, again against Thailand, a 3-0 victory that ensured their qualification to the 2015 AFC Asian Cup. Beitashour then went on to start the next match as well, a 4-1 victory over Lebannon.
Prior to committing to Iran, Beitashour had been called into one camp with the United States men's national team, getting the call from head coach Jurgen Klinsmann in August of 2012.

COLLEGE
Appeared in 57 career games for the San Diego State University Aztecs, recording eight assists. Played in 17 games as a senior and tallied three assists. Spent most of his junior season injured, appearing in only four games. Started 16 matches as a sophomore and recorded three assists, good for a tie for third on the team. As a redshirt freshman, appeared in 18 games with 10 starts and notched two assists. Redshirted his freshman year in 2005.

HIGH SCHOOL/CLUB
Was a four-year letter-winner for Leland High School in San Jose, where he won the Pat Tillman Award. Named a Blossom Valley Athletic League Mt. Hamilton Division first-team selection. Mercury News Honorable Mention in 2004-05.A two-time Offensive Player of the Year at Leland.

PERSONAL
Son of Edward and Pari Beitashour. His father is a Christian Assyrian, while his mother is a Muslim Persian.

INTERESTING FACTS
Majored in communications at San Diego State University. His favourite Persian dish is Lubia Polo.