MLS does "not want DC United to play its home opener at Maryland SoccerPlex because of facility and security issues," according to sources cited by Steven Goff of the WASHINGTON POST. No final decision "has been reached yet, but if the plan is rejected, United would have to scramble to arrange another location for the March 17 match" against the Dynamo. Audi Field does not open until July 14. The club has "not publicly announced its plans, but since last month, it has been lining up the SoccerPlex for the home debut and Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis on April 14" against the Crew. The Navy venue is "expected to receive approval." Sources said that MLS’ primary issues with the SoccerPlex are the "absence of a proper referees’ locker room ... and the swirl of activity throughout the day at a complex with more than 24 soccer fields and various other facilities." FedExField is "considered too large and expensive." The Nationals "have not shown any interest," and preliminary talks with the Orioles months ago "fizzled." The Univ. of Maryland soccer facility, Ludwig Field, "has a track and field meet scheduled that day and, even if it were available, there are no locker rooms." A "possible solution" would be "rescheduling the March 17 match to later in the year." That, however, "would leave United with 12 away matches out of its first 13 to start the season and a further congested home calendar" (WASHINGTON POST, 1/25).
