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Rising and Falling

Hot or Not: Beasley off the Chain in Mexico

The former United States midfielder and jewelry line owner tallies two for San Luis, while a former American star center back struggles to find any time at all in Spain.
BY Jon Arnold Posted
February 14, 2013
10:40 AM
Who’s Hot?
DaMarcus Beasley—Beasley has had a vibrant start to the Clausura, and while he hasn’t been starting for Puebla, he gets in every game. He’s been doing very well on the wing, but Beasley made his insertion really pay off this weekend, scoring the winning goal and adding another in a 3-1 victory against San Luis. While San Luis is off to the worst start in Liga MX, Beasley’s emergence is another good sign for a guy many were ready to toss on the scrap heap. Many were expecting Beasley to be a cool, veteran presence on the Gold Cup roster, but perhaps his 100th cap will come in a more significant competition.

Brek Shea—Well, well. Shea was working back to fitness in the offseason and wasn’t able to play a role in the USMNT’s January camp, but Stoke City were still convinced enough to sign Shea. He isn’t ready for a first team debut, though thanks to an early cup exit he might be available for their next league match in a few weeks, but Shea made an immediate impact by scoring the lone Potters’ goal in a 2-1 reserve loss to Burnley.

Who’s Not?
Oguchi Onyewu—In late 2012, Onyewu showed signs of breaking in at Malaga, but those signs have dissipated. Onyewu hasn’t appeared for the Anchovies yet in 2013. Part of that is the team’s elimination from European competition, but Onyewu isn’t even making the bench. Diego Lugano joined the club during the winter break, pushing Gooch even farther down the depth chart. A USMNT return looks unlikely.

Shawn Parker—The 19-year-old German-American, who plays club ball for Mainz and has played in the German youth system didn’t seem to take kindly to having Michael Parkhurst enter the match for Augsburg in the 43rd minute. Only two minutes into Parkhurst’s Bundesliga debut, Parker gave him a boot to the face and earned a straight red. His suspension was extended and he’ll miss the next two matches for Mainz.

Jon Arnold (@ArnoldcommaJon) is ASN's CONCACAF correspondent.

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