VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC confirmed today that defender Steven Beitashour (Iran) and striker Darren Mattocks (Jamaica) have been called up by their respective national teams for upcoming international matches.
Beitashour will leave the ‘Caps preseason camp today, Wednesday, February 26, and Mattocks will depart tomorrow, Thursday, February 27. Both players will return to Vancouver in time for the club’s season opener against New York Red Bulls on Saturday, March 8, at BC Place.
Beitashour, 27, will join Iran for an upcoming AFC Asian Cup qualifying match against Kuwait on March 3 at Enghelab Stadium in Karaj, Iran and a friendly against Guinea on March 5 in Tehran, Iran. The dual American-Iranian citizen made his debut for Iran on October 15, 2013, coming on as a 76th minute substitute in a 2-1 win over Thailand. Beitashour then made his first start and recorded his first assist for Team Melli in the ensuing match, a 3-0 win over Thailand that ensured their qualification to the 2015 AFC Asian Cup. His third appearance came in the following match, another start in a 4-1 victory against Lebanon.
The 2012 MLS All-Star joined Whitecaps FC on January 27 after four seasons with San Jose Earthquakes. The native of San Jose, California has started 86 of his 87 career MLS appearances, scoring two goals. The right fullback has also recorded 16 assists over the past three seasons, the most among defenders in MLS play over that span.
Mattocks, 23, will convene with Jamaica for two friendly matches, looking to add to his 11 caps for his country. First will be a match against Barbados on March 2, followed by an encounter with St. Lucia on March 5. Most recently, Mattocks played two friendly matches against Trinidad and Tobago in November, starting and playing 85 minutes in a 1-0 loss in the first match, before coming on as a halftime substitute in a 2-0 defeat in the second match.
In his first two seasons in MLS, Mattocks has started 23 of his 41 appearances for Whitecaps FC, scoring 10 goals and recording two assists.
Whitecaps FC begin their 2014 MLS season on March 8 versus New York Red Bulls at BC Place. Season tickets start at just $349 and single-match tickets start at $22, subject to applicable fees. The 'Caps also offer a flexible range of ticket products, including half-season tickets ($244), 5-packs ($149), student season tickets ($199), and a youth soccer half-season ticket ($100). For more information on all Whitecaps FC ticket options, call 604.669.9283 ext. 2 or visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets.
