Throwback Thursday: DaMarcus Beasley’s first goal is a winner

When the United States Men’s National Team stepped onto the field at the Rose Bowl on January 19, 2002, they were preparing to begin the 2002 Gold Cup with a squad that contained a mix of veterans from the 90s and some fresh blood looking to take the team into the 21st century. One of those players was DaMarcus Beasley, a then 19-year-old winger who had appeared on the scene and was ready to help lead the new school of talent into that summer’s World Cup.

The opener of the Gold Cup saw them face South Korea, and in the 36th minute, Landon Donovan, also 19 at the time, opened the scoring for the USMNT. That early lead would only last 2 minutes, as Song Chong-Gug would equalize for the Koreans.

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