Photo by ISI Photos
U.S. national team midfielder DaMarcus Beasley made the most of his first start since recovering from knee surgery by scoring a goal and delivering the game-winning assist in Glasgow Rangers' 3-2 Scottish Cup final victory against Queen of the South on Saturday.
And yes, the performance came on his 26th birthday.
Beasley started and played 76 minutes for Rangers, making his first start since returning from knee surgery to repair a torn ACL suffered in Champions League action last November. He played a part in all three Rangers goals. He drew the foul that set up the free kick that led to Rangers' opening goal, scored his own goal by tapping home an errant header, and delivered a corner kick headed home by Kris Boyd in the 72nd minute.
Beasley's performance should help U.S. national team coach Bob Bradley make his decision on whether to start Beasley agains England on Wednesday. There were some concerns about hwo far along he was in his recovery, but Saturday's performance has put most of those concerns to rest.
What do you think of the news that Beasley is back and playing well? Share your thoughts below.
Ives Galarcep is an American soccer columnist for ESPNsoccernet.com and creator of SoccerByIves.net.
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Happy Birthday DaMarcus! He storms down the wing, and he's only 26!
Posted by: YankatOxford | May 24, 2008 at 12:50 PM
Any where to see the highlights? It's good to see Beas on the field back into form, he can be a great player when he is agressive.
Posted by: Rob | May 24, 2008 at 12:52 PM
this is great news, clearly he's fit and ready to go
Posted by: patrick | May 24, 2008 at 12:54 PM
Well done DeMarcus. His corner's were perfect, passes on the mark, he showed no fear, and the goal was pretty. Not a bad way to spend your birthday. Class through and through.
DMB!
Posted by: Pat the Red Bulls Fan | May 24, 2008 at 01:01 PM
DMB is the man.
Posted by: David Berger | May 24, 2008 at 01:13 PM
I thought about my reply for a bit and this is what I came up with: YEAH!
Posted by: Jamie Z. | May 24, 2008 at 01:16 PM
Off-topic: Chelsea just fired Grant.
Posted by: Andrew | May 24, 2008 at 01:17 PM
Sounds like he is ready for world cup qualification in 3 weeks!
Posted by: fieldsy | May 24, 2008 at 01:26 PM
I was hoping to get this in the questions post, but it needs to be asked; Ives, where is you end of the season club rankings? Inquiring minds must know.
Posted by: Justin | May 24, 2008 at 01:43 PM
GREAT NEWS! Glad to hear beaz is back!
Posted by: Seisco | May 24, 2008 at 01:57 PM
Yeah, if anyone has a link to highlights, that would be awesome. Thanks!
Posted by: Andrew | May 24, 2008 at 02:03 PM
Wow. Talk about perfect timing.
Posted by: michael | May 24, 2008 at 02:25 PM
Sweeeeet... Good job Beasley! Now, bring that to the Nats and I'll be happier.
Posted by: Modibo | May 24, 2008 at 03:27 PM
Highlights available here:
http://mnt-ussoccer.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Derek (Brooklyn) | May 24, 2008 at 04:20 PM
<3 Beasley!
Posted by: dcpohl | May 24, 2008 at 05:12 PM
Welcome back. Welcome back. Welcome back.
Posted by: Dominghosa | May 24, 2008 at 05:28 PM
he beat the goalie 5 hole from 6 yards out, on the left side. Not too great from the goalie, but his assist was quite nice.
Posted by: patrick | May 24, 2008 at 07:01 PM
Great game by my man Beasley. Was all over the pitch, and had a great come back, and a great B day. Now the questions should be answered and he should start. He will be one of the matches individually that we are probably stronger than vs England.
Posted by: James | May 24, 2008 at 07:14 PM
Thanks for the link, Derek.
Posted by: Andrew | May 24, 2008 at 08:39 PM
couldn't be happier to see DMB back and kickin' again. I hope he is able to keep up that form against England.
Posted by: papa bear | May 25, 2008 at 01:03 AM
Consolation prize.
Posted by: KingSnake | May 25, 2008 at 09:12 PM