 Beitashour with the Earthquakes in 2013 | |||
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Mehrdad Beitashour (Iran)[1] Steven Beitashour (United States)[1] | ||
| Date of birth | February 1, 1987 | ||
| Place of birth | San Jose, California, United States | ||
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) | ||
| Playing position | Right-back | ||
| Club information | |||
| Current club | San Jose Earthquakes | ||
| Number | 33 | ||
| Youth career | |||
| 2005–2009 | San Diego State Aztecs | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps† | (Gls)† |
| 2007–2008 | San Jose Frogs | 9 | (2) |
| 2010– | San Jose Earthquakes | 87 | (2) |
| National team‡ | |||
| 2013– | Iran | 3 | (0) |
| * Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of October 27, 2013.
† Appearances (Goals).
‡ National team caps and goals correct as of November 19, 2013 | |||
Steven Beitashour (FIFA-recognized[2] and Persian Name:[3] Mehrdad Beitashour, Persian: مهرداد بیتآشور; born February 1, 1987 in San Jose, California) is an Iranian-American footballer who currently plays for the San Jose Earthquakes in Major League Soccer and the Iranian national team.
Background
Steven Beitashour was born to Edward and Pari Beitashour in San Jose, California.[4] his parents are both from Iran.[5][6] He is of Christian Assyrian descent from his father's side and his mother is aPersian Muslim, enjoying support from both communities in the United States.[6] He has Iranian-American dual nationality.[5][7]
In an Interview in 2011, he stated that he does Persian traditions as a result:[6]
We do all the Persian traditions, as far as Persian New Year and [Islamic] fasting, which is actually going on right now [in Ramadan]. My dad is Christian and my mom is Muslim so they don't force me to do it, especially because of soccer. So I'm kind of halfway doing all of the traditions."
He would choose Persian food over Mexican food and his favorite is Lubia Polo.[6]
Club career
College and amateur
Beitashour attended Leland High School and played four years of college soccer at San Diego State University, redshirting his freshman season.[4] He majored in communication at San Diego State University, choosing it over several schools including San Jose State University and University of California, Santa Cruz.[4] During late college years (2007–2008) Beitashour also played for the San Jose Frogs in the USL Premier Development League
Professional
Beitashour was drafted in the second round (30th overall) of the 2010 MLS SuperDraft by the San Jose Earthquakes.[10] He made his professional debut on April 10, 2010 against the Chicago Fire,[11] and scored his first professional goal on April 24, 2010 against Chivas USA.[12] Beitashour was selected for the 2012 MLS All-Star Game and played 90 minutes against Chelsea in the 3–2 win
