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The only player to ever feature for the United States in four World Cups has retired. DaMarcus Beasley announced his retirement from the national team on his Instagram, looking back on a career that spanned to the late-90's U-15 squads:
Where do I start? Honestly I never thought this day would come, representing my country has been the greatest thing I've done in my career. Everytime I've pulled on OUR colors I tried to represent myself, my family and my country with the utmost respect.(and obviously tried to win) With that being said, I have officially retired from the U.S. Nat'l team. I've been blessed to be apart of the ussf family for 17yrs. I have so many memories from when I started with the U-15 nat'l team all the way to the men's team. I've met so many great ppl along the way I wouldn't know where to start. To all my coaches and teammates, I just want to say thank you, thank you for making me the player I am and the man I will be in the future. I will never forget all the games, friendships, memories we all shared. One thing I hope you all will say about me is that I was a good teammate and ALWAYS left everything on the field when I played. And lastly I want to thank ALL the fans that have supported me and the U.S. Team, without you guys we wouldn't be where we are today! Thank you all!!!
Beasley debuted for the USMNT in 2001 and went on to appear over 120 times in four World Cups and four Gold Cups. His speed, crafty footwork, and defensive intelligence made him an exciting two-way midfielder or left back option and was often the difference in matches like the US' historic 3-2 victory over Portugal in the 2002 World Cup. In 2014, he played all four World Cup matches in Brazil and made his final appearance as a 69' substitute versus Colombia on November 14, 2014 at Fulham's Craven Cottage in London.
With the announcement of his retirement, Beasley now focuses on the looming 2015 Dynamo season with an opportunity to provide his 32-year old body much-needed rest after a grueling 2014.