{{short description|Iranian footballer}} {{Use American English|date=February 2021}} {{Use mdy dates|date=February 2021}} {{Infobox football biography | name = Steven Beitashour | image = Iran vs. Angola 2014-05-30 (207) Steven Beitashour.jpg | caption = Beitashour with Iran in 2014 | full_name = Steven Mehrdad Beitashour | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1987|2|1}} | birth_place = San Jose, California, U.S. | height = {{height|ft=5|in=10}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Steve Beitashour |url=https://www.coloradorapids.com/players/steven-beitashour/ |access-date=22 August 2022 |publisher=Colorado Rapids |archive-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914234558/https://www.coloradorapids.com/players/steven-beitashour/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> | position = Right-back | currentclub = | clubnumber = | youthclubs1 = Fremont Fury | collegeyears1 = 2005–2009 | college1 = San Diego State Aztecs | collegecaps1 = 57 | collegegoals1 = 0 | years1 = 2007–2008 | clubs1 = San Jose Frogs | caps1 = 9 | goals1 = 2 | years2 = 2010–2013 | clubs2 = San Jose Earthquakes | caps2 = 87 | goals2 = 2 | years3 = 2014–2015 | clubs3 = Vancouver Whitecaps FC | caps3 = 54 | goals3 = 0 | years4 = 2016–2017 | clubs4 = Toronto FC | caps4 = 51 | goals4 = 0 | years5 = 2018–2019 | clubs5 = Los Angeles FC | caps5 = 55 | goals5 = 3 | years6 = 2020–2023 | clubs6 = Colorado Rapids | caps6 = 42 | goals6 = 0 | years7 = 2022–2023 | clubs7 = → Colorado Rapids 2 (loan) | caps7 = 2 | goals7 = 0 | totalcaps = 300 | totalgoals = 7 | nationalyears1 = 2013–2014 | nationalteam1 = Iran | nationalcaps1 = 6 | nationalgoals1 = 0 | pcupdate = October 21, 2022 | ntupdate = May 30, 2014 }}
'''Steven Mehrdad Beitashour'''<ref name="fullname">{{cite web|url=http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/2014/06/01/iran-names-24-man-squad-for-world-cup/ |title=Iran names World Cup squad | ProSoccerTalk |publisher=Prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com |date=June 1, 2014 |access-date=June 2, 2014}}</ref> ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|b|eɪ|t|ə|ʃ|ʊər}} {{respell|BAY|tə-shoor}};<ref name="newyorktimes">{{cite news|title =Born in the U.S., Playing for Iran|work =The New York Times|date =March 22, 2014|url =https://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/23/sports/soccer/steven-beitashour-will-represent-his-parents-homeland-at-the-2014-world-cup.html|access-date = March 22, 2014|last1 =Longman|first1 =Jeré}}</ref> {{langx|fa|استیون مهرداد بیتآشور}} {{IPA|fa|mehɾdɒːd-e beit-ɒːʃuːɾ|}}, {{Langx|syr|ܣܬܝܒܢ ܡܗܪܕܐܕ ܒܝܬ ܐܫܘܪ}}; born February 1, 1987) is a former professional soccer player who played as a right-back, and is currently the assistant coach at Toronto FC. Born in the United States and previously called up to the United States national team, he represented the Iran national team. During his playing career, Beitashour made over 300 club appearances across five different MLS teams, and notably helped them win trophies such as the MLS Cup, the Supporters' Shield, and the Canadian Championship.
==Background== Steven Beitashour was born to Edward and Pari Beitashour in San Jose, California, and played youth soccer for Fremont Fury.<ref name="aztecs">{{cite news|title =3 Steve Beitashour|publisher =San Diego State Aztecs|url =http://goaztecs.cstv.com/sports/m-soccer/mtt/beitashour_steve00.html|access-date =August 19, 2012|archive-date =February 15, 2014|archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20140215102249/http://goaztecs.cstv.com/sports/m-soccer/mtt/beitashour_steve00.html|url-status =dead}}</ref><ref name="brazilbound">{{cite news|title =Brazil bound: A comprehensive look at Steven Beitashour's journey to the 2014 FIFA World Cup|publisher =Vancouver Whitecaps FC|url =http://www.whitecapsfc.com/news/2014/05/brazil-bound-beitashour-journey-world-cup|date = June 2, 2014|access-date = October 1, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.denverpost.com/2023/06/10/colorado-rapids-defender-steven-beitashour-mls-game-300/ | title=Colorado Rapids defender Steven Beitashour reflects on 300th career MLS game: "I was close to falling through the cracks" | date=June 11, 2023 }}</ref> He has an older brother, Tony, and two sisters, Tina and Stephanie.<ref name="newyorktimes"/><ref name="brazilbound"/> His parents are both from Iran and moved to the United States in the 1960s.<ref name="brazilbound"/><ref name="ko"/><ref name="SJE"/> His father, an electrical engineer, played soccer for San Francisco State University before working for Apple.<ref name="newyorktimes"/><ref name="province">{{cite news|title =Whitecaps' Beitashour back from Iran, and set to stay in the moment|work =The Province|url =https://theprovince.com/sports/soccer/Whitecaps+Beitashour+back+from+Iran+stay+moment/9588988/story.html|access-date =March 8, 2014|url-status =dead|archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20140419080613/http://www.theprovince.com/sports/soccer/Whitecaps+Beitashour+back+from+Iran+stay+moment/9588988/story.html|archive-date =April 19, 2014|df =mdy-all}}</ref> Beitashour is of Assyrian Christian descent from his father's side and Shia Muslim Persian descent from his mother's side, enjoying support from both communities in the United States.<ref name="SJE">{{cite news|author =Marissa Silver|title =Q&A: Getting to know Steven Beitashour; Beitashour sits down with SJEarthquakes.com to discuss the local scene, his heritage and more|publisher =San Jose Earthquakes|url =http://www.sjearthquakes.com/news/2011/08/qa-getting-know-steven-beitashour|date =August 24, 2011|access-date =August 19, 2012|archive-date =October 9, 2013|archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20131009021930/http://www.sjearthquakes.com/news/2011/08/qa-getting-know-steven-beitashour|url-status =dead}}</ref> He has Iranian-American dual citizenship,<ref name="ko">{{cite news|title = دغدغه های کارلوس کروش برای دعوت از ستاره ایرانی MLS / نگران از بازتاب های سیاسی استیون بیت آشور |language = fa|publisher = Khabar Online|date = July 21, 2012|url = http://www.khabaronline.ir/detail/232730/|access-date = August 14, 2012}}</ref><ref name="Mercury News"/> and is married to his wife named Karlie.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://theprovince.com/sports/Weber+Honeymoon+over+Whitecap+Beitashour/10816729/story.html|title=Weber: Honeymoon's over for Whitecap Beitashour|work=The Province|access-date=April 28, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150428020432/http://www.theprovince.com/sports/Weber+Honeymoon+over+Whitecap+Beitashour/10816729/story.html|archive-date=April 28, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> The couple announced the birth of their son Brayden on February 1, 2019, their son Zayne in May 2022, and their daughter Kaylyn on Christmas Day in December 2025.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BtWVm9wg2r-/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/BtWVm9wg2r- |archive-date=2021-12-24 |url-access=limited|title=Steven Mehrdad Beitashour on Instagram: "BEST. BIRTHDAY. GIFT. EVER!!! 💙 World, meet #BabyBeita aka Brayden! He decided to surprise us 4 weeks early, arriving on 1/28/19. We are…"|website=Instagram|access-date=March 31, 2019}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.instagram.com/p/Cd9I4KfJo8z/ | title=Steven Beitashour on Instagram: "Introducing the littlest Beita Bro, Zayne!! 💙 We are all so in love with him, especially his big brother!" }}</ref><ref>https://www.instagram.com/p/DSsxh0pj8G1nqGGRbHFfaVDQKe7wI81UPbYkqY0/</ref>
==Club career==
===College and amateur===
Beitashour graduated from Leland High School in 2005 where his number 3 jersey was later retired, becoming only the second Leland athlete after Pat Tillman to have a jersey retired.<ref name="brazilbound"/><ref name="Jersey Retired">{{cite news|title = Beitashour jersey retired|publisher =PFDC|url =http://www.persianfootball.com/news/2014/01/20/beitashour-jersey-retired/|access-date = January 20, 2014}}</ref><ref name="VancouverSun">{{cite news|title = Whitecaps' Beitashour proud of U.S., Persian heritage, poised to play for Iran at World Cup|work = The Vancouver Sun|url = https://vancouversun.com/sports/Whitecaps+Beitashour+proud+Persian+heritage+poised+play+Iran+World/9674518/story.html|access-date = April 20, 2014|archive-date = April 6, 2014|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140406000407/http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/Whitecaps%20Beitashour%20proud%20Persian%20heritage%20poised%20play%20Iran%20World/9674518/story.html|url-status = dead}}</ref> Steven was the captain of his high school's varsity team and was their leading goalscorer his junior and senior years in the number 10 role.<ref name="brazilbound"/> He was a four-year letter-winner and was a two-time offensive player of the year before being a divisional first-team selection.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/players/steven-beitashour|title=Steven Beitashour|work=MLSsoccer.com|access-date=April 28, 2015}}</ref> In his graduating year at Leland, Beitashour received the inaugural Pat Tillman Award, given to a Bay Area student for outstanding achievements in both athletics and academics.<ref name="brazilbound"/>
He went on to play four years of college soccer at San Diego State University after receiving a scholarship, redshirting his freshman season.<ref name="newyorktimes"/><ref name="aztecs"/> He majored in communication with a minor in biology at San Diego State University, choosing it over several schools including San Jose State University, University of California, Santa Cruz and Notre Dame de Namur University.<ref name="aztecs"/><ref name="brazilbound"/><ref name="province"/> Coach Lev Kirshner moved Beitashour to the right-back position in order to utilize his quick speed and one-on-one defending abilities.<ref name="brazilbound"/> In his senior year at State, Steven earned an all-Pac-10 honorable mention.<ref name="brazilbound"/><ref name="pac10honor">{{cite news|title =SDSU's Nick Cardenas Named a First-Team All-Pac-10 Selection|publisher =San Diego State University|url =http://www.goaztecs.com/sports/m-soccer/spec-rel/111809aab.html|date =November 17, 2009|access-date =October 1, 2014|archive-date =December 24, 2017|archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20171224101206/http://www.goaztecs.com/sports/m-soccer/spec-rel/111809aab.html|url-status =dead}}</ref> During his late college years, Beitashour also played for the San Jose Frogs in the Premier Development League.<ref name="USL2007">{{cite news|title =San Jose Frogs Premier Development League 2007|publisher =Premier Development League|url =http://www.uslsoccer.com/teams/2007/roster/6188512.html|access-date =August 19, 2012|url-status =dead|archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20121003054008/http://www.uslsoccer.com/teams/2007/roster/6188512.html|archive-date =October 3, 2012|df =mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="USL2008">{{cite news|title = San Jose Frogs Premier Development League 2008|publisher = Premier Development League|url = http://www.uslsoccer.com/teams/2008/roster/6188512.html|access-date = August 19, 2012|url-status = dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121008035847/http://www.uslsoccer.com/teams/2008/roster/6188512.html|archive-date = October 8, 2012|df = mdy-all}}</ref> He graduated from San Diego State in December 2009.<ref name="brazilbound"/>
===Professional===
====San Jose Earthquakes==== thumb|Steven Beitashour playing for San Jose Earthquakes Beitashour was drafted in the second round (30th overall) of the 2010 MLS SuperDraft by the San Jose Earthquakes, the local team that he supported as a young ball boy, becoming the second Iranian (after Khodadad Azizi) to play for the Earthquakes.<ref name="brazilbound"/><ref>[http://web.mlsnet.com/mls/events/superdraft/2010/draft_tracker.jsp 2010 MLS SuperDraft] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100117173019/http://web.mlsnet.com/mls/events/superdraft/2010/draft_tracker.jsp |date=January 17, 2010 }}</ref> He made his professional debut on April 10, 2010, in a 2–1 win against the Chicago Fire,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.centerlinesoccer.com/2010/04/10/determined-performance-gives-san-jose-a-2-1-win-over-chicago/|title=Determined performance gives San Jose a 2–1 win over Chicago|access-date=December 15, 2020}}{{Dead link|date=November 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}</ref> and scored his first professional goal on April 24, 2010, against Chivas USA.<ref name="brazilbound"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter-recap/chivas-hold-quakes-3-2-much-needed-win|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100427033418/http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter-recap/chivas-hold-quakes-3-2-much-needed-win|url-status=dead|title=Chivas hold off Quakes 3–2 for much-needed win|archive-date=April 27, 2010}}</ref> Beitashour was selected for the 2012 MLS All-Star Game and played the full 90 minutes against Chelsea in the 3–2 win.<ref>{{cite news|title =MLS All-Star Team 3–2 Chelsea|publisher =mlssoccer.com|url =http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-07-25-mls-v-cfc/stats|access-date =August 19, 2012|archive-date =August 28, 2012|archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20120828194700/http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-07-25-mls-v-cfc/stats|url-status =dead}}</ref> The Earthquakes won the 2012 MLS Supporters' Shield with Beitashour starting in all 33 of his regular season appearances and leading the league with 110 crosses that season.<ref name="brazilbound"/> Following the Supporters' Shield title, Beitashour featured for the Earthquakes in the 2013–14 CONCACAF Champions League.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.concacaf.com/category/champions-league/game-detail/174310|title=Earthquakes 1–0 Heredia|access-date=October 22, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140304043937/http://www.concacaf.com/category/champions-league/game-detail/174310|archive-date=March 4, 2014}}</ref> He provided 16 assists in his last 3 years with the Earthquakes, more than any other MLS defender during the same time period.<ref name="brazilbound"/><ref>{{cite news|title =Getting to know the new 'Caps|publisher =Whitecapsfc.com|url =http://www.whitecapsfc.com/news/2014/03/getting-know-new-caps|access-date = March 8, 2014}}</ref> {{Quote box |quote = Steven is arguably the best right back in the league. He is fantastic on the defensive side of the ball and his ability to join the attack will make him a great addition to our club. |source =—Whitecaps FC manager Carl Robinson on Beitashour, January 27, 2014.<ref name="whitecaps">{{cite web|url=http://www.whitecapsfc.com/news/2014/01/whitecaps-fc-acquire-steven-beitashour |title=Whitecaps FC acquire right back Steven Beitashour from San Jose in exchange for allocation money | Vancouver Whitecaps FC |work=Vancouver Whitecaps FC |publisher=Whitecapsfc.com |access-date=January 27, 2014}}</ref> |align = right |quoted = 1 | width = 33% }}
====Vancouver Whitecaps FC==== thumb|Steven Beitashour for Vancouver Whitecaps Vancouver Whitecaps FC acquired Beitashour for an undisclosed amount on January 27, 2014.<ref name="whitecaps"/><ref name="whitecapsfc1">{{cite web|url=http://www.whitecapsfc.com/players/steven-beitashour |title=Steven Beitashour | Vancouver Whitecaps FC |publisher=Whitecapsfc.com |access-date=January 27, 2014}}</ref> On March 8, Beitashour played his first match for the Whitecaps in their season opener against the New York Red Bulls, providing a secondary assist to Kenny Miller in their 4–1 win.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://golazo.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-03-08-vancouver-whitecaps-fc-vs-new-york-red-bulls/recap |title=Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. New York Red Bulls Recap |publisher=mlssoccer.com |access-date=March 8, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140309055135/http://golazo.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-03-08-vancouver-whitecaps-fc-vs-new-york-red-bulls/recap |archive-date=March 9, 2014 }}</ref> Beitashour was named in the MLS team of the week after his performance against the LA Galaxy on April 19.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en-ca/news/4175/major-league-soccer/2014/04/21/4767175/mls-team-of-the-week-dempsey-not-slowing-down |title=MLS Team of the Week: Clint Dempsey not slowing down |website=Goal.com |date=April 21, 2014 |access-date=May 31, 2014}}</ref> On April 26, he provided a game-tying assist to Sebastián Fernández in the last minute of the match against Real Salt Lake.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-04-26-real-salt-lake-vs-vancouver-whitecaps-fc/feed |title=Real Salt Lake vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC | MLS MatchCenter |publisher=Matchcenter.mlssoccer.com |date=April 26, 2014 |access-date=May 31, 2014}}</ref> Beitashour was nominated for the 2014 MLS All-Star Game against Bayern Munich.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://soccerly.com/article/soccerly/mls-reveals-allstar-fan-xi-that-will-face-bayern-munich|title=MLS Reveals All-Star Fan XI that will face Bayern Munich|author=Soccerly – soccerly|work=Soccerly|access-date=October 22, 2014|archive-date=August 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806062041/http://soccerly.com/article/soccerly/mls-reveals-allstar-fan-xi-that-will-face-bayern-munich|url-status=dead}}</ref> On September 27, he provided a game-winning assist to Pedro Morales in a 2–1 win against Real Salt Lake.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2014/09/27/vancouver-whitecaps-2-real-salt-lake-1-mls-match-recap|title=Vancouver Whitecaps 2, Real Salt Lake 1 – MLS Match Recap|work=MLSsoccer.com|access-date=October 22, 2014|archive-date=October 30, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141030033036/http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2014/09/27/vancouver-whitecaps-2-real-salt-lake-1-mls-match-recap|url-status=dead}}</ref> On October 10, the Whitecaps won the 2014 Cascadia Cup with a 1–0 win at Seattle Sounders FC.<ref name="cascadia1">{{cite web|url=http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/2014/10/11/seattle-0-1-vancouver-cascadia-cup-stays-put-caps-in-playoff-control/ |title=Seattle 0–1 Vancouver: Cascadia Cup stays put, Caps in playoff control |last1=Mendola |first1=Nicholas |publisher=MLS on NBC |date=October 10, 2014 |access-date=October 10, 2014}}</ref> The Whitecaps also qualified for the 2015–16 CONCACAF Champions League as the best Canadian team of the regular season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.whitecapsfc.com/news/2014/10/wfc-clinch-entry-201516-ccl|title=Vancouver Whitecaps FC clinch entry into the 2015/16 CONCACAF Champions League|work=whitecapsfc.com|access-date=October 30, 2014}}</ref> {{Quote box |quote = He's just a great guy to have in the locker room. He's always positive, he's always smiling, and he's always a guy that you want to go to battle with and fight for. |source =—Whitecaps FC captain Jay DeMerit on Beitashour, June 2, 2014.<ref name="brazilbound"/> |align = right |quoted = 1 | width = 33% }}
Prior to the start of the 2015 MLS season, Beitashour was the Whitecaps' players union representative.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/1110/major-league-soccer/2015/03/03/9485772/beitashour-hoping-mls-season-starts-saturday|title=Whitecaps defender Steven Beitashour hoping MLS season starts Saturday |work=Goal.com|access-date=April 28, 2015}}</ref> On March 14, 2015, in the second game of the Whitecaps' 2015 season, Beitashour provided an assist to Octavio Rivero during the 86th minute in a 1–0 win over the Chicago Fire.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2015/03/14/chicago-fire-0-vancouver-whitecaps-1-mls-match-recap|title=Chicago Fire 0, Vancouver Whitecaps 1 – MLS Match Recap|work=MLSsoccer.com|access-date=April 28, 2015|archive-date=September 20, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150920084310/http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2015/03/14/chicago-fire-0-vancouver-whitecaps-1-mls-match-recap|url-status=dead}}</ref> On July 29, 2015, Beitashour and his Whitecaps teammates attended a charity event for children in Nanaimo.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nanaimodailynews.com/sports/whitecaps-make-visit-to-nanaimo-for-a-cause-1.2016279 |title=Whitecaps make visit to Nanaimo for a cause |publisher=nanaimodailynews.com |date=July 30, 2015 |access-date=August 11, 2015 }}{{dead link|date=March 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> On August 26, 2015, the Whitecaps won the 2015 Canadian Championship to qualify for the 2016–17 CONCACAF Champions League.<ref name=canada>{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/1589/canada/2015/08/27/14791692/whitecaps-celebrate-long-awaited-canadian-championship-title|title=Vancouver Whitecaps FC celebrate long-awaited Canadian Championship title |work=Goal.com|access-date=December 11, 2015}}</ref>
====Toronto FC==== Beitashour was traded to Toronto FC during the 2015–16 off-season for TFC's second round selection in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.torontofc.ca/post/2015/12/18/toronto-fc-acquires-steven-beitashour|title=Toronto FC Acquires Steven Beitashour|work=Toronto FC}}</ref> He made his debut for Toronto FC in a 2–0 win over the New York Red Bulls on March 6, 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.torontofc.ca/post/2016/03/06/match-recap-tfc-2-nyrb-0|title=Match Recap: TFC 2, NYRB 0|date=March 6, 2016|access-date=October 9, 2017}}</ref> On November 30, 2016, Beitashour provided an assist to Benoît Cheyrou to clinch the Eastern Conference title during the 2016 MLS Cup Playoffs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/benoit-cheyrou-toronto-fc-tfc-mls-major-league-soccer/|title=TFC's Cheyrou takes goal-scoring heroics in stride – Sportsnet.ca|access-date=October 9, 2017}}</ref> On October 22, 2017, Toronto FC won the Supporters' Shield, breaking the MLS record for the most points in a single season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/soccer/toronto-fc/story/3236257/toronto-fc-breaks-mls-season-points-record-held-by-1998-galaxy|title=Toronto FC sets MLS season points record|date=October 22, 2017 |access-date=December 11, 2017}}</ref> On December 9, 2017, Beitashour won the 2017 MLS Cup with Toronto FC for the first time in the club's history, becoming the first MLS team to complete a domestic treble.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2017-12-09-toronto-fc-vs-seattle-sounders-fc/feed|title=Toronto FC vs. Seattle Sounders FC – MatchCenter Timeline|website=MLSsoccer.com|access-date=December 11, 2017}}</ref>
====Los Angeles FC==== In January 2018, Beitashour signed with Los Angeles FC for their inaugural season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/01/12/report-lafc-sign-free-agent-steven-beitashour|title=Report: LAFC to sign free agent Steven Beitashour|date=January 12, 2018|access-date=January 22, 2018}}</ref> He provided two assists in their second match before providing another one in their following match to Carlos Vela in the first El Tráfico derby.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/soccer/report?gameId=502710|title=LA Galaxy vs. LAFC – Football Match Report – March 31, 2018 |publisher=ESPN|access-date=May 14, 2018}}</ref> He scored his first goal for LAFC on May 5, 2018, against FC Dallas.<ref>{{Cite web | title=Los Angeles Football Club 1, FC Dallas 1 {{!}} 2018 MLS Match Recap | work=MLSsoccer.com MatchCenter | date=May 5, 2018 | access-date=June 9, 2018 | url=https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2018-05-05-los-angeles-football-club-vs-fc-dallas/recap }}</ref> He scored his second goal for the club on June 9, 2018, against his hometown club, the San Jose Earthquakes.<ref>{{Cite web | title=San Jose Earthquakes vs. Los Angeles Football Club {{!}} MatchCenter Timeline | work=MLSsoccer.com MatchCenter | date=June 9, 2018 | access-date=June 9, 2018 | url=https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2018-06-09-san-jose-earthquakes-vs-los-angeles-football-club/feed }}</ref> In October 2018, LAFC unveiled a Persian language T-shirt in honor of Beitashour.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/10/20/lafc-unveil-farsi-t-shirt-honor-steven-beitashour|title=LAFC unveil Farsi T-shirt in honor of Steven Beitashour | MLSsoccer.com|access-date=December 15, 2020}}</ref> In September 2019, Beitashour and LAFC won the club's first major trophy with the Supporters' Shield.<ref name="Shield">{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2019/09/26/lafc-win-2019-supporters-shield-lift-first-major-trophy|title=LAFC win 2019 Supporters' Shield, lift first major trophy | MLSsoccer.com|access-date=December 15, 2020}}</ref>
====Colorado Rapids==== On September 19, 2020, Beitashour signed a one-year deal with Colorado Rapids as a free agent.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.coloradorapids.com/post/2020/09/19/colorado-rapids-sign-decorated-defender-steven-beitashour-one-year-contract|title=Colorado Rapids Sign Decorated Defender Steven Beitashour to a One-Year Contract | Colorado Rapids|access-date=December 15, 2020}}</ref> In December 2020, Beitashour signed a one-year contract extension with the Rapids ahead of the 2021 Major League Soccer season.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.coloradorapids.com/post/2020/12/14/colorado-rapids-announce-roster-moves-ahead-2021-season|title=Colorado Rapids Announce Roster Moves Ahead of 2021 Season | Colorado Rapids|access-date=December 15, 2020}}</ref> He made his club debut on July 21, 2021, in a league match against FC Dallas.<ref>{{cite tweet|number=1418035712805543939|user=ColoradoRapids|title=Making our first changes of the game:...|date=July 22, 2021}}</ref> Having scored five goals and provided 38 assists across 258 regular-season games in his MLS career, Beitashour re-signed with the Rapids on January 7, 2022, for the 2022 Major League Soccer season.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/steven-beitashour-re-signs-with-colorado-rapids-through-2022|title=Steven Beitashour re-signs with Colorado Rapids through 2022 | MLSSoccer.com|website=mlssoccer|accessdate=January 8, 2022}}</ref> On November 10, 2022, his contract option was declined by Colorado.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.coloradorapids.com/news/colorado-rapids-announce-year-end-roster-updates-x9512|title=Colorado Rapids announce year-end roster updates|first=Colorado|last=Rapids|website=Colorado Rapids}}</ref> On December 13, 2022, the Colorado Rapids re-signed Beitashour for the 2023 Major League Soccer season.<ref>{{cite web | title=Colorado Rapids re-sign defender Steven Beitashour | website=mlssoccer | date=13 December 2022 | url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/colorado-rapids-re-sign-defender-steven-beitashour | access-date=5 May 2024}}</ref> On November 28, 2023, his contract option was declined by Colorado.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.coloradorapids.com/news/colorado-rapids-announce-year-end-roster-updates-x1120 | title=Colorado Rapids announce year-end roster updates|website=coloradorapids.com }}</ref> On December 13, 2023, Beitashour announced his retirement.<ref>{{cite web | title=Steven Beitashour retires after 14-year MLS career | website=mlssoccer | date=13 December 2023 | url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/steven-beitashour-retires-after-14-year-mls-career | access-date=5 May 2024}}</ref>
==International career==
===Eligibility=== [[File:Iran vs. Angola 2014-05-30 (209).jpg|thumb|Beitashour playing for Iran in a friendly match against Angola, May 30, 2014]] Since Beitashour has Iranian Citizenship through ''Jus sanguinis'' principles, he is eligible to play for Iran.<ref name="ko"/> Beitashour was born in the United States and is an American citizen; he thus had the choice of either playing for Iran or the United States.<ref name="Mercury News"/>
When asked about his choice in a 2012 interview, he stated:<ref name="Mercury News">{{cite news|author=Matt Schwab|title =San Jose Earthquakes: Chris Wondolowski and Steven Beitashour tapped to play on U.S. national team vs. Mexico|publisher =Mercury News|date = August 12, 2012|url =http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_21297444/san-jose-earthquakes-chris-wondolowski-and-steven-beitashour|access-date = August 19, 2012}}</ref> {{blockquote|"I think it's a great position to be in to have two options, to say the least... I've just got to keep playing well here [for the San Jose Earthquakes]. I think that's the main thing, and good things will come from that."}}
Iran national team coach Carlos Queiroz began to recruit eligible players from the Iranian diaspora to reinforce the squad.<ref>{{cite news|title =Queiroz seeks overseas reinforcement|publisher =FIFA|date =May 30, 2012|url =https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=1641475/index.html|archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20120602035007/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=1641475/index.html|url-status =dead|archive-date =June 2, 2012|access-date = August 19, 2012}}</ref> In June 2012, it was reported that Queiroz was interested in inviting Beitashour.<ref name="ko"/>
=== United States ===
Beitashour was called up for an international friendly by the United States national football team against Mexico on August 15, 2012;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ussoccer.com/News/Mens-National-Team/2012/08/Klinsmann-Names-Roster-for-Aug-15-Friendly-Against-Mexico.aspx |title=Klinsmann Names U.S. MNT 22-Player Travel Roster for Aug. 15 Friendly Against Mexico |publisher=Ussoccer.com |access-date=October 7, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131006150458/http://www.ussoccer.com/News/Mens-National-Team/2012/08/Klinsmann-Names-Roster-for-Aug-15-Friendly-Against-Mexico.aspx |archive-date=October 6, 2013 }}</ref> however, he was an unused substitute.<ref>{{cite news|title = U.S. Men's National Team Earns Historic First Victory on Mexico's Home Soil|publisher = United States Soccer Federation|date = August 15, 2012|url = http://www.ussoccer.com/News/Mens-National-Team/2012/08/MNT-Earns-First-Win-at-Estadio-Azteca.aspx|access-date = August 19, 2012|url-status = dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120819020407/http://www.ussoccer.com/News/Mens-National-Team/2012/08/MNT-Earns-First-Win-at-Estadio-Azteca.aspx|archive-date = August 19, 2012|df = mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="brazilbound"/>
Coach Jürgen Klinsmann later explained about his "surprise callup":<ref>{{cite news|author = Jimmy LaRoue|title = U.S. men's national team coach Klinsmann explains choice to go with younger players for Mexico friendly|publisher = potomacsoccerwire.com|date = August 13, 2012|url = http://www.potomacsoccerwire.com/news/460/22292|access-date = August 19, 2012}}{{Dead link|date=December 2021 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> {{blockquote|"Steven has built his case over the last couple of months and talking with Frank Yallop [Beitashour's coach at Earthquakes] and getting his information was the most important step... We are pleased to bring him in. He will be welcomed here and he'll see it is a very positive and comfortable environment where he can settle in with no problems. We are curious to see him in the couple training sessions that we have. It's not much because we have two and a half days to prepare for a game, but obviously I'd love to see him over a longer period of time. It will be curious to get his first impression."}}
In January 2013, Beitashour participated in another United States national team camp.<ref>https://www.sjearthquakes.com/news/steven-beitashour-called-iranian-national-team</ref>
=== Iran ===
On October 5, 2013, Beitashour was called up to the Iran national football team by Carlos Queiroz to be part of the preliminary 27-man squad for a 2015 AFC Asian Cup qualification match against Thailand. It was initially unclear whether Beitashour would accept the invitation.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2013/10/04/report-san-jose-earthquakes-defender-steven-beitashour-added-iran-roster-asi |title=MLS |publisher=Mlssoccer.com |access-date=October 7, 2013 |archive-date=October 6, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006130523/http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2013/10/04/report-san-jose-earthquakes-defender-steven-beitashour-added-iran-roster-asi |url-status=dead }}</ref> Two days later, it was confirmed that Beitashour had accepted the call-up and would join the squad in time for the match on October 15.<ref name="San Jose Earthquakes' Steven Beitashour accepts call-up to Iranian national team for Asian Cup qual">{{cite web|title=San Jose Earthquakes' Steven Beitashour accepts call-up to Iranian national team for Asian Cup qual|url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2013/10/07/san-jose-earthquakes-steven-beitashour-accepts-call-iranian-national-team-as|publisher=Major League Soccer|access-date=October 7, 2013|archive-date=October 7, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141007141704/http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2013/10/07/san-jose-earthquakes-steven-beitashour-accepts-call-iranian-national-team-as|url-status=dead}}</ref> He made his debut in Iran's 2–1 win over Thailand, coming on as a sub for Mahini in the 76th minute.<ref>{{cite web|title=Int'l Roundup: Alvaro Saborio scores in Costa Rica win, Honduras through to World Cup|url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2013/10/15/intl-roundup-steven-beitashour-gets-first-cap-iran-asian-cup-qualifying-vict|publisher=Major League Soccer|access-date=October 22, 2013|archive-date=July 2, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140702225955/http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2013/10/15/intl-roundup-steven-beitashour-gets-first-cap-iran-asian-cup-qualifying-vict|url-status=dead}}</ref> His first assist came to striker Ghoochannejhad against Thailand in the away leg on November 15, helping to seal their place in the 2015 AFC Asian Cup.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://espnfc.com/match?id=364938&cc=5901 |title=Match: Thailand v Iran – AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers |publisher=ESPN FC |date=November 15, 2013 |access-date=April 20, 2014}}</ref> On June 1, 2014, Beitashour was named to Iran's 2014 FIFA World Cup squad.<ref name="2014wcsquad">{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/y=2014/m=6/news=quieroz-trims-squad-to-24-2351854.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140601164415/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/y=2014/m=6/news=quieroz-trims-squad-to-24-2351854.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 1, 2014|title=Queiroz trims Iran squad to 24 |date=June 1, 2014|access-date=June 1, 2014|publisher=FIFA}}</ref> He was an unused substitute in all three matches and was not called into Iran's squad for the 2015 Asian Cup.
In May 2018, Beitashour was included in Iran's 35-man preliminary squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup but was not chosen for the final 23.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/dcunited/beitashour-misses-out-on-second-world-cup-chance-with-iran/2018/05/23/3edc8366-5ed5-11e8-b656-236c6214ef01_story.html |title=Beitashour misses out on second World Cup chance with Iran |first=Anne M. |last=Peterson|agency=AP |date=May 23, 2018 |newspaper=Washington Post}}{{dead link|date=June 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>
== Style of play == Beitashour has been praised for his crosses and his ability to get around defenders.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.angelsonparade.com/2018/2/16/17015276/get-to-know-lafc-steven-beitashour-toronto-fc-san-jose-earthquakes-vancouver-whitecaps-iran|title=Get to know LAFC defender Steven Beitashour|first=Patrick|last=Stoll|date=February 16, 2018|website=Angels on Parade|access-date=March 31, 2019|archive-date=March 31, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331092617/https://www.angelsonparade.com/2018/2/16/17015276/get-to-know-lafc-steven-beitashour-toronto-fc-san-jose-earthquakes-vancouver-whitecaps-iran|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2018/7/15/17574300/all-even-as-portland-timbers-draw-los-angeles-fc-0-0|title=All even as Portland Timbers draw Los Angeles FC 0–0|first=William|last=Conwell|date=July 15, 2018|website=Stumptown Footy|access-date=March 31, 2019}}</ref>
== Outside football == === Sponsorship === Beitashour is outfitted by sportswear manufacturer Adidas.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.footballbootsdb.com/player/Steven-Beitashour/61408|title=Steven Beitashour Football Boots|website=Football Boots Database|access-date=March 31, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.soccerbible.com/boot-spotting/2016/03/14/global-boot-spotting/|title=Global Boot Spotting|website=SoccerBible|date=March 14, 2016 |access-date=March 31, 2019}}</ref>
==Post-playing career== ===Philanthropy=== Following his retirement from playing professional soccer, Beitashour announced in December 2023 that he would be running a youth soccer clinic in Denver named Beita Performance Soccer.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.denverpost.com/2023/12/13/steven-beitashour-colorado-rapids-retires/ | title=Colorado Rapids great Steven Beitashour announces retirement: "This journey has been nothing short of extraordinary" | date=December 13, 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.tfcrepublic.ca/jan-25-toronto-fc-steven-beitashour/ | title=Steven Beitashour on TFC's glory days: 'We just knew how to win' | date=January 25, 2024 }}</ref>
===Managerial career=== On August 12, 2024, the San Jose Earthquakes announced that Beitashour would be the Quakes Academy’s Under-15 head coach for the 2024–25 MLS NEXT season.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.sjearthquakes.com/news/news-earthquakes-name-steven-beitashour-quakes-academy-under-15-head-coach | title=NEWS: Earthquakes Name Steven Beitashour Quakes Academy Under-15 Head Coach | San Jose Earthquakes }}</ref> Under the helm of Beitashour, the Quakes U-15 team went undefeated and achieved first place in their group during his tenure.<ref>{{cite web | title=U15 MLS NEXT Standings | url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/mlsnext/standings/ }}</ref>
On February 7, 2025, Beitashour was announced as the assistant coach of Robin Fraser at Toronto FC ahead of the 2025 season.<ref>{{cite web | title=MLS Cup winner Steven Beitashour returns to Toronto FC, joins TFC coaching staff | date=February 7, 2025 | url=https://wakingthered.com/2025/02/07/18647/former-mls-cup-winner-steven-beitashour-returns-to-toronto-fc-as-assistant-coach/ }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Toronto FC add Harris and Beitashour to Coaching Staff | Toronto FC | url=https://www.torontofc.ca/news/toronto-fc-add-harris-and-beitashour-to-coaching-staff }}</ref>
== Career statistics == === College === {| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;" |- !rowspan="2"|Season !rowspan="2"|Team !rowspan="2"|League !colspan="3"|League |- !Apps !Goals !Assists |- |2005 | rowspan="5"|San Diego State Aztecs | rowspan="5"|Pacific-10 Conference | colspan="4"|Redshirt |- |2006 |18||0||2 |- |2007 |18||0||3 |- |2008 |4||0||0 |- |2009 |17||0||3 |- !colspan=3|Career Total<ref name="aztecs"/> !57!!0!!8 |}
=== Senior === ==== Club ==== {{updated|October 21, 2023|<ref>{{Soccerway|steven-beitashour/124048|accessdate=March 17, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Steven Beitashour|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/players/steven-beitashour|website=MLSSoccer.com|publisher=Major League Soccer|access-date=March 29, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Steven Beitashour " Club matches|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe173086/steven-beitashour/club-matches/|publisher=World Football|access-date=March 29, 2017}}</ref>}}
{| class="wikitable" Style="text-align: center" |- !rowspan="2"|Club!!rowspan="2"|Season!!colspan="3"|League!!colspan="2"|Playoffs!!colspan="2"|Cup{{ref|a|1}}!!colspan="2"|Continental{{ref|a|2}}!!colspan="2"|Total |- !League!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals |- |rowspan="5"|San Jose Earthquakes||2010||rowspan="4"|MLS||8||1||0||0||1||0||rowspan="3" colspan="2"|—||9||1 |- |2011||19||0||colspan="2"|—||2||0||21||0 |- |2012||33||0||2||0||3||0||38||0 |- |2013||27||1||colspan="2"|—||0||0||1||0||28||1 |- !colspan="2"|Total!!87!!2!!2!!0!!6!!0!!1!!0!!96!!2 |- |rowspan="3"|Vancouver Whitecaps FC||2014||rowspan="2"|MLS||27||0||colspan="2"|—||0||0||rowspan="2" colspan="2"|—||27||0 |- |2015||27||0||2||0||2||0||31||0 |- !colspan="2"|Total!!54!!0!!2!!0!!2!!0!!colspan="2"|—!!58!!0 |- |rowspan="3"|Toronto FC||2016||rowspan="2"|MLS||29||0||6||0||3||0||rowspan="2" colspan="2"|—||38||0 |- |2017||22||0||5||0||3||0||30||0 |- !colspan="2"|Total!!51!!0!!11!!0!!6!!0!!colspan="2"|—!!68!!0 |- |rowspan="3"|Los Angeles FC||2018||rowspan="2"|MLS||30||2||1||0||3||0||rowspan="2" colspan="2"|—||34||2 |- |2019||25||1||0||0||1||0||26||1 |- !colspan="2"|Total!!55!!3!!1!!0!!4!!0!!colspan="2"|—!!60!!3 |- |rowspan="5"|Colorado Rapids||2020||rowspan="4"|MLS||0||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||0||0 |- |2021||11||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||11||0 |- |2022||19||0||colspan="2"|—||1||0||0||0||20||0 |- |2023||12||0||colspan="2"|—||0||0||0||0||12||0 |- !colspan="2"|Total!!42!!0!!0!!0!!1!!0!!0!!0!!43!!0 |- |rowspan="3"|Colorado Rapids 2 (loan)||2022||rowspan="2"|MLS Next Pro||1||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||1||0 |- |2023||1||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||1||0 |- !colspan="2"|Total!!2!!0!!0!!0!!0!!0!!0!!0!!2!!0 |- !colspan="3"|Career total!!291!!5!!16!!0!!19!!0!!1!!0!!327!!5 |} *1.{{note|a}}Includes Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and Canadian Championship. *2.{{note|a}}Includes CONCACAF Champions League.
==Honors== '''San Jose Earthquakes''' *Supporters' Shield: 2012
'''Vancouver Whitecaps''' *Canadian Championship: 2015<ref name=canada/>
'''Toronto FC''' *MLS Cup: 2017<ref name=mlscupwin>{{cite web |date=December 9, 2017 |title=Recap: Toronto FC vs Seattle Sounders |url=https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2017-12-09-toronto-fc-vs-seattle-sounders-fc|publisher=mlssoccer.com |access-date=December 9, 2017}}</ref> *Supporters' Shield: 2017 *Canadian Championship: 2016,<ref name=canada/> 2017 *Eastern Conference Winners (Playoffs): 2016, 2017
'''Los Angeles FC''' *Supporters' Shield: 2019<ref name="Shield"/>
'''Individual''' *MLS All-Star: 2012<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-07-25-mls-v-cfc/stats|title=2012-07-25-MLS-v-CFC |date=August 28, 2012|access-date=December 11, 2017|url-status=bot: unknown|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120828194700/http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-07-25-mls-v-cfc/stats|archive-date=August 28, 2012}}</ref>
==See also== * Iranian Americans
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== {{Commons category}} * {{Facebook|steven.beitashour}} * {{MLS player|steven-beitashour?quicktabs_1=1}} * [http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&q=steven+beitashour#q=steven+beitashour&hl=en&prmd=ivnso&source=univ&tbm=vid&tbo=u&sa=X&ei=Ku8VTq7FJ8zgsQKN3pxd&ved=0CFYQqwQ&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&fp=f2771e6dc65a9bec&biw=1230&bih=493 Videos and Highlights of Steven Beitashour] * [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iN6T_w6rHS8 USMNT or Iran, A player with options – Power 5 Klinsmann's Radar] at YouTube * [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIcMhgAErjA Inside: Steven Beitashour 4–15–12] at YouTube * [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugyP6II7sVA Steven Beitashour High School highlights] at YouTube
{{Iran squad 2014 FIFA World Cup}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Beitashour, Steven}} Category:1987 births Category:Living people Category:Soccer players from San Jose, California Category:Iranian men's footballers Category:Iran men's international footballers Category:American men's soccer players Category:San Diego State Aztecs men's soccer players Category:San Jose Frogs players Category:San Jose Earthquakes players Category:Vancouver Whitecaps FC players Category:Toronto FC players Category:Los Angeles FC players Category:Colorado Rapids players Category:Colorado Rapids 2 players Category:USL League Two players Category:Major League Soccer players Category:MLS Next Pro players Category:American people of Iranian-Assyrian descent Category:Iranian Assyrian people Category:Leland High School (San Jose, California) alumni Category:Major League Soccer All-Stars Category:San Jose Earthquakes draft picks Category:American people of Iranian descent Category:2014 FIFA World Cup players Category:San Diego State University alumni Category:Men's association football full-backs Category:Iranian people of Assyrian descent Category:Sportspeople of Iranian descent Category:Assyrian footballers Category:21st-century Iranian sportsmen Category:Toronto FC non-playing staff