The Houston Dynamo sent Warren Creavalle to Toronto FC on Wednesday in exchange for the top spot in the MLS allocation order, which Houston then used to take 32-year-old left back and national team veteran DaMarcus Beasley.
As is usually the case with a returning member of the US national team, Beasley’s acquisition was subject to the MLS allocation order, which explains the trade. Beasley’s undisclosed salary, unlike the bloated salaries of Michael Bradley and Clint Dempsey, didn’t make him exempt from the allocation process, though. Houston signed the only American four-time World Cup veteran as a Designated Player, a rule that provides salary cap relief to the team.
Really excited to say that Im officially apart of the @HoustonDynamo family! Can't wait to get started n meet everyone! #foreverorange
— DaMarcus Beasley (@DaMarcusBeasley) July 23, 2014
Beasley, a former member of the Chicago Fire, had spent the last three years playing his club soccer in Mexico. Beasley drew Houston’s interest with impressive performances in Brazil as a mainstay along the US’s sometimes shaky backline. The rangy defender is known for his heady play and frequent marches into the offensive end.
Houston, at 5-11-4, sits at a league worst minus-18 goal differential and currently has the third fewest points in the MLS. Beasley’s acquisition means that 11 of the 23 players from the US national team are now in the MLS.
— DaMarcus Beasley (@DaMarcusBeasley) July 23, 2014
