From Deseret News archives:
RSL making play for Beasley
RSL is actively pursuing U.S. National Team midfielder DaMarcus Beasley, and according to Deseret Morning News sources a deal could be reached soon.
Beasley has spent the past two years playing for PSV Eindhoven in the Dutch first division, but apparently he isn't happy and RSL coach John Ellinger is trying to lure him back to Major League Soccer.
Beasley spent four and half years in MLS before he left Chicago in the summer of 2004 to play overseas.
"DaMarcus is one of the most sought after American players by multiple MLS teams, and we would love to have DaMarcus on our left side to compliment Chris Klein on our right side for obvious reasons," said RSL general manager Steve Pastorino, who wouldn't confirm whether the club was in talks with Beasley's agent.
Ellinger is one of the main reasons Beasley is considering a return to the States. He was one of Ellinger's top players when the RSL coach was in charge of the Under-17 U.S. Residency Program back in 1999, and like so many of Ellinger's former players, Beasley has always expressed an interest in playing for Ellinger again.
Beasley's salary could be one of the main sticking points.
At 24, Beasley is still one of the best young soccer players in the United States. As a result, he would no doubt like his contract to be in the range of Landon Donovan, who is making $900,000 per season with the Los Angeles Galaxy.
Even though such a figure would push any team over the approximate $2 million salary cap, it is by no means a hard cap like the NFL. Of Donovan's huge salary, only $350,000 counts toward the salary cap. The remaining $550,000 is paid partly from a pool of money the league sets aside called allocation money, whereas the rest is from an undisclosed source.
There are two types of allocation money, and MLS awards them for such things as missing the playoffs, major player retirement or the departure of key players to other leagues such as Brian McBride to English Premiere League. Major allocations can range between $200,000 to $300,000, whereas minor allocations range from $100,000 to $200,000.
Allocation money is added to a player's base salary, but it's done via a priority system to keep a competitive balance to MLS.
Comments
- RSL spoiled ESPN's wish for L.A. win 9:12 p.m.
- BYU's old uniforms? 9:09 p.m.
- UVU downs Alcorn State in Alabama 8:59 p.m.
- Family thanks effort after cave deat 7:34 p.m.
- Fesenko out with stomach virus 7:31 p.m.
- Cowboys get past Raiders 24-7 7:30 p.m.
- The Who for the Super Bowl 7:08 p.m.
- Thursday's sports transactions 7:06 p.m.
- Holiday festivals offer family fun 6:30 p.m.
- Story of the 'Bells' retold 6:30 p.m.
- Man trapped in Nutty Putty cave dies
- Rivalry has had some 'turkeys'
- Cave rescuers committed to free man
- Holiday television program listings
- Highland players make special friend
- Temple Square to use LEDs
- Matt Reynolds vs. Koa Misi
- Missions teach players perseverance
- Salt Lake City woman shot
- Provo star leads Bulldogs to win
- BYU would like friendlier rivalry
262 - Protests against Phoenix LDS temple
210 - RSL wins MLS Cup on penalty kicks
202 - Bronco, Kyle rubber match
139 - BYU records with win
133 - Letters: Rushing to judge Palin
131 - Thunder rolls by Jazz
130 - Boys basketball rankings
118 - Editorial: Poor welcome for Palin
112 - Hall, Johnson matchup key
102
With a game tonight against Chicago but Wednesday off from practice,...
Wayne Howard was a lightning rod in the Utah-BYU rivalry, back when he...
Lavell Edwards had a major impact on how the game of football is played...
I agree that Syracuse is going to be an incredible team this year. There is...
Mmmmm....Love me some Scaddy's. Best 'burger place' in SLC. (Yes, they...
obama you saved the day. now hurry and pass healthcare, cap and trade,...
So sad and tragic.. My heart breaks for this young man, and my thoughts and...
Our prayers are with the family what a sad thing to happen for them. Last I...
Everything is great at Scaddy's, but you *have* to try the Wayne Burger. Its...
i agree the brittney girl is tough. She played very well last year as a ninth...
What an amazing story. I love to be reminded that there are great people out...
@Let him go.....someone had too much turkey today! What a sour blogger....



You can be the first to comment on this story.