Michael Pointer

michael.pointer@indystar.com

Had a long conversation with Indy Eleven president Peter Wilt on a variety of topics for future stories (More on that later.) when the name of U.S. national team member and Indiana native DaMarcus Beasley came up.

Beasley attended the Eleven's game against the Tampa Bay Rowdies on July 12. He had yet to sign with a club team after deciding not to return to Puebla of the Mexican League. Wilt has had a long-standing relationship with Beasley since signing him to his first pro contract in 200 when Wilt was president of MLS' Chicago Fire and some Eleven fans wondered -- perhaps only half-jokingly -- if he could convince Beasley to play for his home- state team.

Well, Wilt tried. But while Beasley was impressed by the reception and sellout crowd at Carroll Stadium, he wasn't quite ready to play in the North American Soccer League and chose to sign with MLS' Houston Dynamo instead.

"He felt like he could make a little more money in MLS and he felt he could play at that level a little longer," Wilt said.

Beasley is scheduled to make his debut with the Dynamo on Sunday and said during the visit to Indy that he hopes his time with the national team isn't over. He is the only U.S. player to play in four World Cups.

But Wilt likely will re-visit the topic when Beasley becomes available again. Returning to play in his home state also could open up some post-soccer business opportunities for him, Wilt said.

Here is a story from the Houston Chronicle on Beasley, who will be playing his first MLS game in nearly 10 years this weekend.