Whitecaps FC acquire right back Steven Beitashour

Whitecaps FC – VANCOUVER, Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today that the club has acquired and signed right back Steven Beitashour from Western Conference side San Jose Earthquakes in exchange for allocation money. Per Major League Soccer and club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“Steven is arguably the best right back in the league,” said Whitecaps FC head coach Carl Robinson. “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.”

Whitecaps FC right back Steven Beitashour

• Recorded more assists, 16, than any other MLS defender over the last three seasons
• Scored two goals in 89 MLS appearances with San Jose
• Played 90 minutes as right back in the 2012 MLS All-Star Game
• Earned his first three caps with Iran’s men’s national team last fall

“I’m very excited about this new opportunity,” added Beitashour, who is scheduled to arrive in Vancouver tonight. “Whitecaps FC are an excellent club with fantastic supporters and a great stadium. From what I’ve seen the last few years and from my conversations with the coaching staff, this club is heading in the right direction. I’m looking forward to meeting everyone and I can’t wait for our home opener on March 8 against the Red Bulls.”

Beitashour, 26, joins Whitecaps FC after spending each of his first four professional seasons in MLS with the Earthquakes. In total, Beitashour started 86 of his 87 regular season appearances with San Jose, recording two goals and 16 assists during that period.

In addition, Beitashour started both of San Jose’s playoff matches and recorded one assist in three US Open Cup matches during the Quakes Supporters’ Shield winning season of 2012.

The 5-foot-10, 170-pound fullback, who San Jose selected in the second round of the 2010 MLS SuperDraft, was named to the MLS All-Star team in 2012 and played the full 90 minutes, next to Whitecaps FC captain Jay DeMerit, in a 3-2 win over English Premier League giant Chelsea FC.

Prior to joining MLS, Beitashour spent four seasons with the San Diego State University Aztecs, where he recorded eight assists in 57 total appearances, and also played for the San Jose Frogs of the United Soccer Leagues Premier Development League.

Born in San Jose, California, both of Beitashour’s parents are from Iran and he therefore holds dual American-Iranian citizenship. After opting to play for Iran, Beitashour earned his first cap in Team Melli’s 2-1 win over Thailand last October. He has appeared for Iran on three occasions and will look to play a part when they compete in the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.