After starting all 19 matches for the Pioneers this season, junior soccer defender Drew Beckie was named to the Canadian Under-23 squad for the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) Olympic qualifying team last month.
“This is a great opportunity for Drew to represent his country,” said head coach Bobby Muuss. “It is great to see all of his hard work and dedication be rewarded. We know Drew will show well.”
The team was in Kansas City the final weekend of March for the semi-finals. The Canadian Under-23 squad lost 3-1 to Mexico and were unable to attain a spot in this year’s Olympics. Beckie did not play in this final game, but he played a significant role in the previous games in the tournament.
“The tournament was a great experience and I wouldn’t give it up for anything,” said Beckie. “I feel very fortunate because a lot of people don’t get the chance to represent their country. As for now, I’m going to focus on my future season at DU and see what can happen professionally when I graduate. If I continue to perform well I hope to be with Canada for the remainder of my career.”
Throughout the fall 2011 season, Beckie accumulated four goals and one assist. He was named to the All-MPSF First Team after receiving an All-MPSF honorable mention his sophomore year.
Beckie lived in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, until he came to the U.S. in 2000. Before coming to DU, he attended Arapahoe High School in Centennial, Colo., and played for the Real Colorado Academy club team. The proximity of DU to his family was a big factor in his decision to become a Pioneer, according to Beckie.
“Coach Muuss and his staff are very good, and they bring in great players,” said Beckie. “DU is exceptional both academically and athletically, which is what made it a perfect fit for me.”
Since he made the preliminary roster, Beckie went to the Canadian Olympic Training camp in Ft. Lauderdale March 13-20, where he was able to secure a spot on the qualifying team. Beckie joins Boston College’s Kyle Bekker as the only two players without professional experience.
The team first went to Nashville, where they tied 0-0 with El Salvador and beat the U.S. team 2-0. A 1-1 tie with Cuba allowed them to go through to the next round. Beckie played all 90 minutes of Canada’s first and third group-stage matches on March 22 and 26.
