SAN JOSE, Calif. – San Jose Earthquakes defender Steven Beitashour is back in training camp with the Iranian national team ahead of a pair of 2015 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers.
Beitashour, 26, made his debut for Team Melli in their 2-1 win against Thailand on Oct. 15. He came on in the 75th minute and closed out the game at right back. The former Leland High School (San Jose) standout was a second-round selection (No. 30 overall) by the Earthquakes in the 2010 MLS SuperDraft. He has 87 appearances during his four seasons with the Quakes, recording two goals and 16 assists in the process. Beitashour’s parents were born in Iran, allowing him the opportunity to suit up for Team Melli.
Iran faces Thailand in Bangkok on Friday, Nov. 15 and then heads to Beirut for a match against Lebanon on Tuesday, Nov. 19. Iran leads its four-team group with seven points through three matches. The top two teams in each group as well as the best third-placed team will join Australia, Japan, North Korea and South Korea in the final.
The Iranian national team is coached by former MetroStars manager Carlos Queiroz. Their squad qualified for the 2014 World Cup after finishing atop their group during AFC Qualifying.
