Beasley turning heads

DaMarcus Beasley may not be a household name in the United States, but overseas the 23-year-old is quickly changing the perception of the American soccer player.

After all, he's the Yank who led surprising PSV Eindhoven (Holland) into the Champions League semifinals with a team-high four goals, while European powers like Manchester United, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Arsenal all watched from home. He's also the American who scored PSV's equalizing goal against Feyenoord to clinch his club team's berth in the Dutch league cup.

It doesn't matter that Beasley was injured and couldn't play in the Amstel Cup final — which his team won — he won over PSV fans this year and surely has a long and productive career ahead of him in Europe.

"I don't think it's a secret, Beasley's an incredible player," said fellow U.S. National Teamer Landon Donovan. "He brings a lot to this team when he plays, especially now. He's gotten a lot more confident at PSV. He's gotten smarter. He understands the game better."

Once tabbed one of the "Top Rising Stars" in the world by World Soccer Magazine as an 18 year old, the Fort Wayne, Ind., native has already exceeded expectations, and he just turned 23 two weeks ago.

Not only has he done that overseas, but with the U.S. National Team as well.

As U.S. coach Bruce Arena prepares for today's World Cup qualifier against Costa Rica at Rice-Eccles Stadium, there's no question he wants Beasley on the field. One of the most dangerous weapons in the history of U.S. Soccer, Beasley is known for his tireless work rate on the wings and his incredible speed.

In recent years, he's added some smarts to his repertoire.

"During the (2002) World Cup, I was just a young kid trying to run around, but now I have more of an idea of what I want to do and what the coach wants out of me," said Beasley. "I definitely think the last three years I've grown as a player."

He may or may not be able to provide that explosiveness and intelligence today.

In late April, Beasley injured his lateral collateral ligament in a vicious collision during a Dutch League game with FC Twente. The injury cut short his fantastic rookie season with PSV, in addition to jeopardizing his availability for today's and Wednesday's World Cup qualifiers with the U.S. National Team.

"I wanted to end the year on a good note, and the year with my team with a championship, but things happen. Injuries happen. It's just part of the game," said Beasley. "It's definitely frustrating watching the guys out here training and playing games, but you get a different perspective out of the game when you're watching from the stands."