In DC, Steven Goff noted Audi Field will not open until June 30, and MLS has "yet to determine whether it can fit" all of DC United's 17 home dates into the last four months of the season. If it is not possible, the club will have to "arrange a few 'home' games in the spring at alternative venues in the region." United will "not return to RFK Stadium or play at Nationals Park." FedExField also seems "unlikely because of the cost and size." That "leaves Richmond, College Park, Annapolis and Baltimore." United is "working around the baseball schedule" and seeking to "avoid overlaps that would cause major logistical and parking problems" (WASHINGTONPOST.com, 10/24).
FLASH IN THE PAN? The AP's Paul Newberry wrote Atlanta United has been a "shining star amid a year of intense disappointment for American soccer, a dashing, high-scoring team that has drawn record crowds and stirred fervent passion in its very first season." The instant popularity of the team "caught everyone off guard." But off the field, Atlanta United "still must prove it can hold the city's attention for a sustained period." Atlanta's two NHL teams, the Flames and Thrashers, "both drew large crowds in their early days, but it didn't last." Both teams "wound up leaving the city." Newberry: "United intends to write a new chapter" (AP, 10/25).
BIG LEAGUE PUSH: In Sacramento, Benjy Egel noted USL club Sacramento Republic FC supporters have "committed to buying at least 10,000 season tickets if the club is promoted" to MLS. Most of the 10,000 fans are "current Republic FC season-ticket holders." Sacramento is "one of 11 cities vying to become home to an MLS expansion franchise" (SACBEE.com, 10/25).
